What Was Watkin’s Tower?
Watkin’s Tower, sometimes called “London’s lost monument,” was a planned steel tower in Wembley Park intended to rival and surpass the Eiffel Tower. Conceived in the late 19th century by railway magnate and politician Sir Edward Watkin, it was planned to reach 350–366 meters (over 1,100 feet) and become the centerpiece of a new leisure destination, drawing visitors via the Metropolitan Railway.
The project began construction but was never completed. Its incomplete structure was dismantled by 1907; today, its foundations lie beneath Wembley Stadium. For further research, see Country Life, CNN Travel, and Atlas Obscura.
History and Design
Watkin’s ambition
Inspired by the global acclaim of the Eiffel Tower at the 1889 Paris World Fair, Watkin sought to make London a world-class tourist destination. In 1889, he launched a competition for “The Great Tower for London,” with the goal of creating a landmark taller and more impressive than the Eiffel Tower (Country Life).
Competition and plans
The competition attracted 68 submissions from architects and engineers around the world. Designs included ideas such as spiraling railways and hanging gardens (Country Life; On Verticality).
The winning entry, by Stewart, MacLaren, and Dunn, proposed a steel lattice tower with four levels and eight supporting legs, as well as restaurants, exhibition halls, and a hotel. Renowned engineer Benjamin Baker was later brought in and reduced the number of legs from eight to four to cut costs. The change introduced structural vulnerabilities, particularly given Wembley’s marshy soil (On Verticality).
Construction and challenges
Construction began in 1892. By September 1895, the first platform, 47 meters (155 feet) high, had been completed and opened to the public. Visitors could reach it by lifts and take in panoramic views. Further stages were planned but never realized (Country Life; On Verticality).
The four supporting legs concentrated the tower’s weight on a small footprint. Its foundations subsided unevenly in Wembley’s marshy ground, raising stability and safety concerns (Country Life).
The project raised £87,000, much of it from Watkin’s own railway company. However, escalating costs and declining public interest caused financial difficulties. The reduced scope and slow construction further weakened confidence in the project (Country Life).
Reception, closure, and legacy
When the first stage opened in 1896, only 18,500 of the 100,000 Wembley Park visitors paid to ascend. Its limited height, remote location, and construction noise made the attraction underwhelming compared with the Eiffel Tower’s Parisian appeal. The unfinished structure became known as “Watkin’s Folly” and “the London Stump” (Country Life; Londonist).
After Watkin’s retirement and death, the project lost its champion. The tower closed in 1902 and was demolished by 1907. Its concrete foundations were rediscovered beneath the site during Wembley Stadium’s 2002 redevelopment (CNN Travel; BBC News).
No above-ground remnants remain, and the foundations are not visible to the public. The tower’s story appears in local guides, heritage trails, and documentaries as a symbol of Victorian ambition and innovation (Atlas Obscura; Exploring London). Some people have advocated for a dedicated plaque or exhibition to make the site’s history more visible (BBC News).
What to See Today
Watkin’s Tower itself is gone, but Wembley Park offers a mix of historical, sporting, and entertainment destinations. The Wembley Park Heritage Trail uses plaques and walking routes to introduce the area’s history, including the tower. Some Wembley Park heritage walks and Wembley Stadium tours also offer historical context about it.
Practical Visiting Information
Wembley Park and Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium guided tours typically run daily, though times vary by season and events may affect access. Tickets are available online or at the box office or stadium; advance booking is recommended for popular events. Check the official Wembley Stadium website for current schedules and prices.
Wembley Stadium and its surrounding facilities have step-free routes, accessible seating, wheelchair amenities, and visitor assistance. The surrounding area also offers dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Getting there
Wembley Park is served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan Underground lines, as well as local rail. Wembley Stadium and Wembley Central stations provide additional connections. For Wembley Stadium, the relevant stations are Wembley Park (Underground), Wembley Stadium (National Rail), and Wembley Central (Underground/Overground). The stadium is about a 15-minute walk from Wembley Park station.
The area has step-free access and visitor assistance. An Oyster card or contactless payment can be used for travel.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the Wembley Park Heritage Trail. Check the Wembley Stadium website when planning a visit, and explore related sites using public transport. The Audiala app offers curated guides, real-time event updates, and historical content.
Nearby Places
- Wembley Stadium A venue for major sporting and entertainment events.
- Wembley Arena A concert and events venue.
- London Designer Outlet A shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.
- Wembley Park Heritage Trail A route exploring local history, including Watkin’s Tower.
- Wembley Arena and Designer Outlet Open year-round for concerts, shopping, and dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Watkin’s Tower today?
The tower was demolished by 1907. Its foundations remain buried beneath Wembley Stadium. You can visit the area and explore its history through heritage trails and stadium tours.
Are there remnants of Watkin’s Tower to see?
The foundations remain underground but are not visible to the public.
How do I get to Wembley Park?
Wembley Park is served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. You can also travel by National Rail to Wembley Stadium or by Underground/Overground to Wembley Central.
Are there tours about Watkin’s Tower?
Some Wembley Park heritage walks and Wembley Stadium tours offer historical context about the tower.
What are other notable attractions nearby?
Wembley Arena, London Designer Outlet, and the Wembley Park Heritage Trail.
