Blackpool

Blackpool, a flourishing watering-place, since 1876 a municipal borough of Lancashire, on the coast of the Irish Sea, 18 miles WNW. of Preston. The population has risen from 1664 in 1851 to 3506 in 1861, 14,229 in 1881, and 23,846 in 1891; but the numbers who resort here during the bathing-season far exceed the permanently resident inhabitants, for Blackpool is one of the most frequented watering-places in the west of England, the sands being excellent, the views delightful, and the climate bracing. There are two fine piers, one of them with a splendid pavilion; a promenade 3 miles long, with electric trams; winter-gardens, an aquarium, a free library, and theatres. A tower of the Eiffel style, 500 feet high, with shops and entertainment rooms at the base, was erected in 1893-95.