This poster advertises events taking place at Alexandra Palace some time
in the 1870s or 1880s. Activities include a parachute descent, circus
performances, operas, military and orchestral concerts, organ recitals, an
exhibition of life-saving apparatus and 'Miss Webb's Swimming
Entertainment'.
Ill-fated building
Alexandra Palace and Park, located west of Wood Green, had been used for
recreation since 1873. The original 'Ally Pally' (as it is commonly known)
took nine years to complete. Unfortunately, just three weeks after it
opened, the building caught fire and was destroyed. A second palace was
built and was opened in 1875. It contained orchestral seating for 1150 and
the famous Willis Organ, one of the largest organs in Europe.
Home of television
In 1936, the BBC created their new London Television Station in Alexandra
Palace. From there they made the first public television transmissions.
The station continued to broadcast until 1981.
