Category: 1905

Dorothy Levitt Becomes the Fastest Woman in the World at Blackpool

Posted by

Dorothy Levitt and the 12 hp Gladiator car she drove in a series of reliability trials in 1903, although not in Blackpool. Historic photograph (public domain). Digital restoration and enhancement © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd 2026. During the pioneering years of British motoring, Blackpool became an important venue for the new spectacle of motor racing. The resort’s long, straight South Promenade provided an opportunity for some of the most powerful cars of the period to demonstrate their speed, and among the competitors who came to Blackpool was Dorothy Levitt, one of the most remarkable figures in early British…

Boarding House Becomes The Lyndene Hotel

Posted by

The Lyndene Hotel on Blackpool’s Promenade has stood as part of the town’s seafront hospitality landscape for well over a century, its history reflecting the broader story of Blackpool’s rise as Britain’s most famous seaside resort. Situated at 303–315 Promenade along the Golden Mile, the hotel occupies a prime sea-facing position within easy walking distance of the Blackpool Tower, Central Pier, the Winter Gardens and the resort’s main shopping and entertainment district. This central location has long made it attractive to visitors wanting both convenience and coastal views. While the precise date the building first opened as a named hotel…

Salvation Army Citadel and Blackpool Grammar School

Posted by

The Salvation Army Citadel in Blackpool, located on Church Street, is a significant historical and community landmark. Constructed between 1904 and 1905, the building was originally the Raikes Road Technical School, designed in the Baroque style by architects R. B. Rots, Sons, and Hennings. Later, it served as Blackpool Grammar School before becoming the headquarters for the Salvation Army. The building is a Grade II-listed structure, characterized by its red brick and terracotta details, a slate roof, and a prominent copper-domed tower on the southwest corner. Today, the Citadel is a vital center for the Salvation Army’s mission in Blackpool…. Read more »

Houdini comes to Blackpool

Posted by

Harry Houdini came to Blackpool in July 1905. While he was here, he performed at the Tower Circus, located in the famous Blackpool Tower complex. This performance was part of his UK tour, where he displayed his amazing escape acts and illusions. Houdini’s appearance in Blackpool, just like his other shows, attracted a lot of attention and mesmerised the local crowd. The Tower Circus, a key venue in Blackpool, offered a perfect setting for Houdini’s thrilling and bold escapes, adding to the town’s storied history of entertainment and magic. The text and images below refer to his acts performed elsewhere,…