A Timeline of Blackpool

By Tim Lambert

1781 A private road is built to Blackpool

1801 The population of Blackpool is less than 500

1837 Victoria Terrace is built to Blackpool

1844 St Johns Market is built

1846 A branch railway is built

1851 The population of Blackpool is over 2,500. A Board of Health is formed.

1852 Blackpool gains gas light

1863 The North Pier is built

1864 Blackpool gains a piped water supply

1868 Central Pier is built

1872 Raikes Hall Garden opens

1876 Blackpool is given a Mayor and Corporation

1878 Winter Gardens opens

1881 The population of Blackpool is 14,000

1885 An electric tramway opens in Blackpool

1889 The first opera house is built

1891-94 Blackpool Tower is built

1893 South Pier opens

1900 Blackpool Town Hall is built

1901 The population of Blackpool is 47,000

1904 Grand Theatre is built

1911 Grundy Art Gallery is built

1912 Blackpool illuminations are first switched on

1923 The first Blackpool Carnival is held

1926 Stanley Park opens

1938 Blackpool Technical College opens

1972 Blackpool Zoo opens

1980 The Hounds Hill Centre opens

1986 The Sandcastle opens

1990 Blackpool Sea Life Centre opens