Blackpool’s iconic tower dominates the skyline at the famous seaside resort with nothing to challenge it, however that wasn’t always the case. In 1896 it had a rival in the form of the ‘Giant Wheel’ although in reality it was never a genuine challenger and lasted a mere 32 years. At around the same time, a roller coaster was built around the corner. See more on that here.
Designed by Walter B Bassett and situated next to Blackpool Winter Gardens, the structure was the second wheel out of four that the British Naval Engineer was to erect between the years of 1895 and 1898, the others being located at London (Earls Court), Vienna and Paris. He was taken to court by American giant wheel inventor James Weir Graydon who had invented and patented the big wheel idea, however Bassett won the case and either way, all four of his wheels were in operation by then. Nevertheless he dies penniless in 1907 and since then all of his wheels have long since disappeared.
Blackpool’s giant wheel (commonly referred to as the ‘Jolly Wheel’) closed to the general public on October 20th, 1928. Each carriage was dismantled separately from each side once by one to ensure balance and the demolition company put these up for sale at £20 each. Blackpool’s giant Victorian wheel may only be a fond memory, but we still have the Big Wheel of today on Central Pier as a reminder of Blackpool Tower’s former rival.
This blue plaque can be found on the Winter Gardens building, facing the Hounds Hill Shopping Centre. © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
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Text source: Blackpool.com'swebsite
