The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, England. It stands at a height of 135 meters and has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. But was it the first big wheel ever built?
The Origins of the Big Wheel
The concept of a big wheel or Ferris wheel dates back to the late 19th century. In 1893, an engineer named George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. designed and constructed a giant wheel for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This wheel stood at 80 meters and had 36 cars, each capable of holding up to 60 people.
The First Big Wheel
While George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.’s creation is often credited as being the first true big wheel, it wasn’t actually the first of its kind. In fact, there were several earlier examples that predate it.
One such example is the Great Wheel of Earl’s Court, which was built in London in 1895, two years after Ferris’ creation. This wheel stood at a height of 94 meters and could hold up to 40 people in each of its cars.
London Eye: The Modern Big Wheel
Fast forward to modern times and we have the London Eye – one of the largest and most popular big wheels in existence today. The idea for this giant Ferris wheel was conceived in 1993 by two architects – David Marks and Julia Barfield – who wanted to create a landmark that would symbolize London’s regeneration after decades of decline.
Construction on the London Eye began in 1998, with completion coming in March of 2000. It quickly became one of London’s top tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Conclusion
So while George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.’s wheel is often considered the first true big wheel, it’s important to note that there were several earlier examples that predate it. The Great Wheel of Earl’s Court is just one example.
Today, the London Eye stands as one of the most impressive and popular big wheels in the world. It’s a testament to both modern engineering and the long-standing tradition of these incredible structures.