Blackpool's Central Promenade, 1890 (Picture: Newsquest)(Image: )This early photo of the Central Promenade was taken in 1890, the year before construction began on the resort’s world famous tower. Looking along the promenade today from the same spot, the tower would be in the top right of the photo dominating the scene. Built using Accrington brick - more than five million of them - and cast iron girders, Blackpool Tower was inspired by a visit to the Paris Exposition in 1889 by a former mayor of Blackpool who saw a tower as the perfect way to attract more tourists. It was opened in 1894 having cost the equivalent of around £30 million to build. Still a major landmark today, all those involved in the project would argue it was money well spent.