Queen's Tower, Observation tower at South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, England
Queen's Tower stands at the heart of Imperial College London's South Kensington Campus, built with Portland stone walls and topped by a distinctive copper dome. Inside, narrow spiral staircases wind through multiple levels, leading toward a viewing platform high above the surrounding streets.
The tower was built in the late 1800s as part of the Imperial Institute and nearly faced demolition in 1957 when that building was removed. A public campaign led by Poet Laureate John Betjeman saved it from destruction, allowing it to remain standing on the site.
The ten bells known as the Alexandra Peal ring out during royal anniversaries and Imperial College graduation ceremonies from the tower's belfry. They mark moments of celebration for the institution and the people connected to it.
Reaching the viewing platform requires climbing roughly 325 steps through tight spiral staircases, which can be narrow and steep in places. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and visitors should be prepared for a physical effort during the ascent.
Two stone lions from the original Imperial Institute entrance stand guard at the tower's base, while their matching pair resides at the Commonwealth Institute across London. These sculptures are silent witnesses to the transformation of the site and its evolution over time.
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