The BT Tower: How High Does London's Gazing Giant Reach?
Ah, the BT Tower. London's very own tall drink of water (well, concrete and steel really, but you get the gist). This iconic landmark has been peering over the city since the swinging sixties, and let's face it, it's definitely not shrinking with age. But just how high does this titan of telecommunications reach?
How Tall Is The Bt Tower In London |
Unveiling the BT Tower's Towering Truth
The BT Tower stands at a magnificent 189 meters (that's 620 feet in old money). To put that into perspective, that's about the length of 19 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. Or, if you're feeling fancy, it's roughly the same height as three Big Bens (although that would be a rather precarious architectural decision).
Fun Fact: The BT Tower wasn't always the name on everyone's lips. It's actually gone through a bit of an identity crisis over the years, having been known as the Post Office Tower and the Telecom Tower at various points. But hey, BT Tower seems to have stuck!
Did You Know? The BT Tower's Not-So-Humble Beginnings
The tale of the BT Tower's height is actually quite interesting. Back in the day, when it was just a twinkle in some architect's eye, it was only supposed to be a measly 111 meters tall. That's practically child's play compared to its current stature! But thankfully, they must have realized the error of their ways and decided to go big or go home (or rather, go sky high).
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Bonus Fun Fact: The foundations of this giant actually stretch a whopping 53 meters down into the London clay. That's some serious deep-rooted commitment to not toppling over!
So, How Does the BT Tower Stack Up?
While the BT Tower was once the undisputed king of the London skyline, it's since been dethroned by a few newer, shinier skyscrapers. But fear not, it still holds a respectable position as the city's second-tallest freestanding structure (after The Shard, for those keeping score).
Top Tip: If you're ever in London and feeling peckish with a view, be sure to check out the former rotating restaurant at the top of the BT Tower. It might not be spinning anymore, but the panoramic views are still top-notch.
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How To FAQs: Your Pocket Guide to BT Tower Trivia
How to get to the BT Tower?
The BT Tower isn't currently open to the public, but you can still admire it from afar! The nearest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street.
How much did the BT Tower cost to build?
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The exact cost is shrouded in a bit of mystery, but estimates suggest it was somewhere around £8 million back in the 1960s (which is a pretty penny, even back then).
How long did it take to build the BT Tower?
Construction took around four years, from 1961 to 1965. That's some impressive building speed!
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How many floors does the BT Tower have?
The BT Tower has 34 floors, but most of them are dedicated to technical equipment, not fancy office spaces.
How many times has the BT Tower been struck by lightning?
This one might surprise you! The BT Tower gets struck by lightning several times a year, thanks to its height. Luckily, it's well-equipped to handle such electrical jolts.