Watkin's Tower, Unfinished observation tower in Wembley Park, London, United Kingdom.
Watkin's Tower was a planned observation structure in north London meant to reach roughly 1150 feet (350 m) before work halted. The octagonal base rested on eight angled iron legs that carried the lower section of the lattice framework.
Sir Edward Watkin commissioned a competition for the design in 1891 and started construction in 1894 to draw visitors to his Metropolitan Railway. Operations ended in 1899 due to financial trouble, and the remains were demolished in 1907.
The structure was meant to energize a leisure park and make the first Metropolitan Railway station in this area more accessible. Visitors came mainly for the sports grounds and the open green spaces surrounding the construction site.
No above-ground traces remain today because Wembley Stadium was built over the old foundations. Those interested in this project can find more information in the stadium archive or local historical publications.
The first design competition was so unusual that even Gustave Eiffel entered, despite his famous structure in Paris already being complete. The judges ultimately favored a completely different concept that never reached the planned height.
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