{{short description|Communications tower in London, England}} {{about|the BT Tower in London|other uses|BT Tower (disambiguation)|and|Telecom Tower (disambiguation)}} {{Use British English|date=March 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}} {{Infobox building | name = BT Tower | image = 1350342 II BT COMMUNICATION TOWER, CLEVELAND MEWS Camden London 20250612 0003.jpg | caption = BT Tower in 2025 | construction_start_date = 1961 | completion_date = 1964<ref name="skyscraper">{{Cite web |title=BT Tower |url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=6765 |access-date=26 June 2008 |publisher=SkyscraperPage.com |archive-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828071006/http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=6765 |url-status=live }}</ref> | highest_prev = Millbank Tower | highest_next = NatWest Tower | highest_start = 1964 | highest_end = 1980 | highest_region = the United Kingdom | building_type = Offices<ref name="skyscraper" /> | location = London, {{postcode|W|1T}}<br />United Kingdom | coordinates = {{coord|51.5215|-0.1389|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | top_floor = | antenna_spire = {{convert|189|m|0}}<ref name="bt-com-bt-tower">{{Cite web |title=We take an exclusive look behind the scenes at the BT Tower |url=https://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/behind-the-scenes-at-the-bt-tower-11364182741212 |website=BT |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815170329/https://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/behind-the-scenes-at-the-bt-tower-11364182741212 |url-status=live }}</ref> | roof = {{convert|177|m|0}} | floor_count = 37 | floor_area = | elevator_count = 2 | architect = Eric Bedford | structural_engineer = | main_contractor = Peter Lind & Company | developer = | owner = MCR Hotels | operator = }}
The '''BT Communication Tower''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=BT Communication Tower |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1350342?section=official-list-entry |access-date=10 September 2022 |publisher=Historic England |archive-date=10 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910082248/https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1350342?section=official-list-entry |url-status=live }}</ref> more commonly known as the '''BT Tower''', is a Grade II listed communications tower in Fitzrovia, London, England, owned by MCR Hotels. It has also been known as the '''GPO Tower''', the '''Post Office Tower''',<ref>{{cite book| editor=Perkin, George |date=1968 |title=Concrete in Architecture |location=London |publisher=The Cement and Concrete Association}}</ref> and the '''Telecom Tower'''. The main structure is {{convert|177|m|0}} high, with aerial rigging bringing the total height to {{convert|189|m|0}}.<ref name="bt-com-bt-tower" />
Upon completion in 1964, it was the tallest structure in London and remained so until 1980. Butlins managed a revolving restaurant in the tower from 1966 until 1980.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BT Tower among icons of technology |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/mar/27/arts.artsnews |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=The Guardian |first=Maev |last=Kennedy |author-link = Maev Kennedy|date=27 March 2003}}</ref> A 360° LED screen displays news across central London.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BT Tower lights up with 'It's a Girl' in pink |url=https://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-05-02/bt-tower-lights-up-with-its-a-girl-in-pink/ |access-date=7 April 2023 |website=ITV| date=2 May 2015}}</ref>
The BT Tower was sold to MCR Hotels in 2024.<ref name="InquirerConstruct">{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=BT Tower to become hotel |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/02/22/bt-tower-to-become-hotel/ |access-date=12 August 2025 |publisher=Construction Enquirer}}</ref>
==History== ===Design and construction=== The tower was commissioned by the GPO. Its primary purpose was to support the microwave aerials then used to carry telecommunications traffic from London to the rest of the country, as part of the GPO microwave network.<ref>''Belfast Telegraph'' Thursday 2 February 1961, page 10</ref>
It replaced a shorter, 1940s steel lattice tower on the roof of the neighbouring Museum Telephone Exchange. The taller structure was required to protect the radio links' line of sight against tall buildings then planned in London. Links were routed via GPO microwave stations Harrow Weald, Bagshot, Kelvedon Hatch and Fairseat, and locations including the London Air Traffic Control Centre.<ref name="BT Timelapse">{{cite web |title=BT Tower Timelapse |url=https://www.londontimelapse.co.uk/items/british-telecom-tower-time-lapse-also-known-bt-telecom-tower/ |website=London Time Lapse |publisher=Pukka TV Group |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="Science Museum">{{cite news |author1=Dr. Elizabeth Burton |title=The BT Tower and a Classified Communications Network |url=https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-bt-tower-and-a-classified-communications-network/ |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=London Science Museum |publisher=Science Museum Group |date=19 May 2020}}</ref>
thumb|Wide-angle view of the tower and its base from Cleveland Mews in August 2012
The tower was designed by the Ministry of Public Building and Works, under chief architects Eric Bedford and G R Yeats. Typical for its time, the building is concrete clad in glass. The narrow cylindrical shape was chosen as a stable platform for microwave aerials. It shifts no more than {{convert|25|cm|in|0}} in wind speeds of up to 150 km/h (95 mph). To prevent overheating, the glass cladding had to be tinted.<ref name="ICE">{{cite web |title=Post Office Tower (BT Tower) |url=https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/infrastructure-projects/post-office-tower |website=ICE Group |publisher=© Institution of Civil Engineers |access-date=19 June 2025}}</ref>
Construction began in June 1961; owing to the building's height and its having a tower crane jib across the top virtually throughout the whole construction period, it gradually became a very prominent landmark that could be seen from almost anywhere in London. A question was raised in Parliament in August 1963 about the crane. Reginald Bennett MP asked the Minister of Public Buildings and Works, Geoffrey Rippon, how, when the crane on the top of the new Tower had fulfilled its purpose, he proposed to remove it. Rippon replied: "This is a matter for the contractors. The problem does not have to be solved for about a year but there appears to be no danger of the crane having to be left in situ."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 1963 |title=Post Office Tower (Crane) |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1963/aug/02/post-office-tower-crane#S5CV0682P0-03632 |access-date=21 January 2015 |website=Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)}}</ref> Construction reached 475 ft by August 1963. The revolving restaurant was prefabricated by Ransomes & Rapier<ref>''Daily Herald'' Friday 1 November 1963, page 8</ref> and the lattice tower by Stewarts & Lloyds subsidiary Tubewrights.<ref>''Birmingham Daily Post'' Wednesday 7 October 1964, page 7</ref>
The tower was topped out on 15 July 1964, by Geoffrey Rippon<ref>''Coventry Evening Telegraph'', 15 July 1964, page 40</ref> and inaugurated by Prime Minister Harold Wilson on 8 October 1965. The main contractor was Peter Lind & Company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BT Tower |url=http://www.lightstraw.co.uk/ate/main/postofficetower/index.html |access-date=21 January 2015 |website=lightstraw.co.uk |archive-date=27 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727151218/http://www.lightstraw.co.uk/ate/main/postofficetower/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The tower was originally designed to be just {{convert|111|m|ft|0}} high; its foundations are sunk down through {{convert|53|m|ft|0}} of London clay, and are formed of a concrete raft {{convert|27|m|ft|0}} square, {{convert|1|m|ft|0}} thick, reinforced with six layers of cables, on top of which sits a reinforced concrete pyramid.<ref>"BT Tower: serving the nation 24 hours a day", BT, 1993</ref>
Initially, the first 16 floors were for technical equipment and power. Above that was a {{convert|35|m|ft|adj=on}} section for the microwave aerials, then six floors of suites, a revolving restaurant, kitchens, technical equipment, and finally a cantilevered steel lattice tower. The construction cost was £2.5 million.<ref name="ICE" />
The first microwave link was to Norwich on 1 January 1965. The Met Office put a weather radar on top of the tower.<ref>''Liverpool Echo'' Thursday 1 October 1964, page 8</ref> Much of the telecommunications equipment was made by GEC.<ref>''Coventry Evening Telegraph'' Friday 8 October 1965, page 63</ref> The stainless steel clad windows were made by Henry Hope & Sons Ltd.<ref>''Birmingham Daily Post'' Monday 26 July 1965, page 24</ref>
===Opening=== [[File:HM the Queen visiting the Post Office Tower on 17 May 1966.jpg|thumb|left|Queen Elizabeth II visiting the tower in May 1966]] The tower was opened to the public on 19 May 1966, by Postmaster General, Anthony Wedgwood Benn and Billy Butlin,<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Fx7S2ZLwvo8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140419081321/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7S2ZLwvo8&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web |title=Post Office Tower Opening (1966) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7S2ZLwvo8 |access-date=20 October 2018 |website=YouTube | date=13 April 2014 |publisher=British Pathe}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Post Office Tower – 18 May 1966, Volume 728 |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1966-05-18/debates/d4cd9526-de56-4297-ad55-4717f62d4b96/PostOfficeTower |access-date=20 October 2018 |website=Hansard |publisher=Parliament |archive-date=21 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021024817/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1966-05-18/debates/d4cd9526-de56-4297-ad55-4717f62d4b96/PostOfficeTower |url-status=live }}</ref> with HM Queen Elizabeth II having visited on 17 May 1966.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/EK-3H9yEIro Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140419193940/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK-3H9yEIro&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite news |date=17 May 1966 |title=Queen Enjoys View From The Top |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK-3H9yEIro |access-date=20 October 2018 |agency=British Pathe}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
As well as communications equipment and office space, there were viewing galleries and a souvenir shop. Butlins' Top of the Tower revolving restaurant on the 34th floor made one revolution every 23 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Look at Life - Eating high, 1966 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMPXmnK8G8E&t=142 |website=YouTube |date=September 2011 |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601091022/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMPXmnK8G8E&t=142 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>''Liverpool Daily Post'' Wednesday 3 June 1964, page 14</ref> and meals cost about £4<ref>''The Tatler'' Saturday 17 September 1966, page 51</ref> ({{Inflation|UK|4|1966|fmt=eq|cursign=£|r=-1}}{{Inflation/fn|UK}}).
In the first year there were nearly one million visitors,<ref name="btplc.com">{{Cite web |title=Events in telecommunications history |url=https://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/BTsHistory/1912to1968/1965.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020182102/https://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/BTsHistory/1912to1968/1965.htm |archive-date=20 October 2018 |access-date=20 October 2018 |publisher=BT plc}}</ref> and over 100,000 diners.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Glancey |first=Jonathan |date=7 October 2005 |title=The great communicator |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2005/oct/07/architecture |access-date=20 October 2018}}</ref>
===Bombing=== A bomb exploded in the ceiling of the men's toilets at the Top of the Tower restaurant at 04:30 on 31 October 1971;<ref name="btplc.com" /> the blast damaged buildings and cars up to {{convert|400|yds|m}} away.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 1971 |title=1971: Bomb explodes in Post Office tower |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/31/newsid_2464000/2464143.stm |access-date=16 June 2021 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307113253/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/31/newsid_2464000/2464143.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Responsibility for the bomb was claimed by members of the Angry Brigade, a far-left anarchist collective.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bangor Daily News |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2457&dat=19711102&id=ICs0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=G-EIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3240,422159&hl=en |access-date=21 April 2016 |website=news.google.com |via=Google News Archive Search}}</ref> A call was also made by a person claiming to be the Kilburn Battalion of the IRA.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 April 2007 |title=BBC ON THIS DAY – 31 – 1971: Bomb explodes in Post Office tower |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/31/newsid_2464000/2464143.stm |access-date=31 December 2009 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=7 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307113253/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/31/newsid_2464000/2464143.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
The tower was closed to visiting by the general public following the 1971 bombing, but the restaurant reopened. In 1980, Butlins' restaurant lease expired.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 August 2010 |title=BT Tower to open for first time in 29 years |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/16/bt_tower/ |website=theregister.co.uk |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810173032/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/16/bt_tower/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The tower has been used for events including a children's Christmas party and Children in Need 2010.<ref name="Wales">{{cite news |title=Children in Need raises £26m on the night |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/children-need-raises-26m-night-1796834 |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Reach PLC |date=21 March 2013}}</ref> It retains the revolving floor.<ref name="Revolving">{{cite news |last1=Feilden |first1=Eloise |title=Will the revolving restaurant in London’s BT Tower return to its former glory? |url=https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/02/will-the-revolving-restaurant-in-londons-bt-tower-return-to-its-former-glory/ |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=The Drinks Business |publisher=© Union Press Ltd |date=29 February 2024 |location=London, UK}}</ref>
===Recent=== The tower's microwave aerials remained in use into the 21st century, connected to subterranean optical fibre links.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-08-30 |title=London's BT Tower to lose dish-shaped aerials |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14721413 |access-date=2026-05-01 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
{{Wide image|BT Tower Evening Panorama 2014-03-05 18.30.jpg|2120px|Panoramic view from BT Tower in the evening, 2014.}}
In 2009, a 360° coloured screen was installed {{convert|167|m|ft|abbr=on}} up, over the 36 and 37th floors of the tower. It replaced an earlier light projection system and incorporated 529,750 LEDs arranged in 177 vertical strips around the tower. It was then the largest of its type in the world,<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2009 |title=BT Tower of power: World's biggest LED screen set to light up the night |url=http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49304098,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102034258/http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0,39029474,49304098,00.htm |archive-date=2 November 2009 |access-date=31 October 2009}}</ref> occupying an area of {{convert|280|m2|sqft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} and with a circumference of {{convert|59|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It displayed a countdown of the number of days until the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics.<ref name="BT Olympics">{{cite web |title=The BT Tower |url=https://www.bt.com/bt-plc/assets/documents/about-bt/our-history/bt-archives/information-sheets-and-timelines/bt-tower.pdf |website=BT Archives |access-date=19 June 2025 |date=October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Trust">{{cite news |last1=Peracha |first1=Qasim |title=The little-known story of how tragedy struck at London's BT Tower |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/bt-tower-london-tragedy-story-17083714 |access-date=19 June 2025 |work=My London |publisher=The Trust Project |date=4 April 2021}}</ref>
In April 2019, the screen broadcast a Windows 7 error message for almost a day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=Iain |title=BT Tower broadcasts error message to the nation as Windows displays admin's shame |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/04/08/bt_tower_broadcasts_error_message_to_the_nation_as_windows_crashes/ |access-date=15 April 2019 |website=www.theregister.co.uk |archive-date=18 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418010719/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/04/08/bt_tower_broadcasts_error_message_to_the_nation_as_windows_crashes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|right|The tower's LED screen
In October 2009, ''The Times'' reported that the revolving restaurant would be reopened in time for the 2012 London Olympics.<ref name="Goodman">{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Matthew |date=1 November 2009 |title=High times as BT reopens its revolving restaurant |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/eating_out/article6898128.ece |access-date=27 April 2010 |work=The Times |location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> However, in December 2010, it was noted those plans had been "quietly dropped".<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2010 |title=BT Tower Restaurant Won't Re-Open |url=http://londonist.com/2010/12/bt-tower-restaurant-wont-re-open.php |access-date=21 January 2015 |website=Londonist |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121074527/http://londonist.com/2010/12/bt-tower-restaurant-wont-re-open.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{Wide image|London panorama from the BT Tower.jpg|2560px|360° panoramic view from the revolving restaurant in September 2022}}
For the tower's 50th anniversary, the 34th floor was opened for three days from 3 to 5 October 2015 to 2,400 winners of a lottery.<ref name="50 ingenious years">{{Cite web |title=Celebrating BT Tower's 50 ingenious years – come and visit the top of the BT Tower! |url=http://home.bt.com/news/bt-life/BT-Tower-event-11363983181830?s_cid=con_FURL_BTcom_BTTower50 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620224249/http://home.bt.com/news/bt-life/BT-Tower-event-11363983181830?s_cid=con_FURL_BTcom_BTTower50 |archive-date=20 June 2017 |access-date=6 October 2015}}</ref>
thumb|BT Tower at night, 2011
The BT Tower was given Grade II listed building status in 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 March 2003 |title=Honour for Post Office Tower |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2886617.stm |access-date=16 June 2021 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195701/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2886617.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Several of the defunct antennae attached to the building were protected by this listing, meaning they could not be removed unless the appropriate listed building consent was granted. Permission for their removal was given in 2011 on safety grounds, as they were in a bad state of repair and the fixings were no longer secure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 August 2011 |title=London's BT Tower to lose dish-shaped aerials |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14721413 |access-date=30 August 2011 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=28 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428073908/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14721413 |url-status=live }}</ref> The last of the antennae was removed in December 2011, leaving the core of the tower visible.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Engineers remove microwave dishes from the BT Tower in London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/8937926/Engineers-remove-satellite-dishes-from-the-BT-Tower-in-London.html |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=The Telegraph |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408092514/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/8937926/Engineers-remove-satellite-dishes-from-the-BT-Tower-in-London.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Entry to the building is by two high-speed lifts, which travel at a top speed of 1400 feet per minute ({{convert|7|m/s|mph|sigfig=3}}) and reach the top of the building in under 30 seconds. The original equipment was installed by the Express Lift Company, but it has since been replaced by elevators manufactured by ThyssenKrupp. Due to the confined space in the tower's core, removing the motors of the old lifts involved creating an access hole in the cast iron shaft wall, and then cutting the 3-ton winch machines into pieces and bringing them down in one of the functioning lifts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BT TOWER LIFT REMOVAL |url=https://www.liftout.net/liftout-bt-tower/ |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=Liftout - Corporate Site |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222161714/https://www.liftout.net/liftout-bt-tower/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 1960s an Act of Parliament was passed to vary fire regulations, allowing the building to be evacuated by using the lifts – unlike other buildings of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=London Telecom Tower |url=http://www.urban75.org/london/telecom.html |access-date=18 March 2011 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108125429/http://www.urban75.org/london/telecom.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2006, the tower began to be used for short-term air-quality observations by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and this has continued in a more permanent form as BT Tower Observatory, an urban atmospheric pollution observatory to help monitor air quality in the capital.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helfter |first=Dr Carole |date=28 June 2018 |title=BT Tower (London, UK): an urban atmospheric pollution observatory |url=https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bt-tower-london-uk-urban-atmospheric-pollution-observatory |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology |archive-date=21 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621151327/https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bt-tower-london-uk-urban-atmospheric-pollution-observatory |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2019 |title=Research provides quality check on air pollution strategy |url=https://www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-media/blogs/research-will-provide-quality-checks-air-pollution-strategy |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology}}</ref> The aim is to measure pollutant levels above ground level to determine their source. One area of investigation is the long-range transport of fine particles from outside the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BT Tower in pollution study |url=http://www.btplc.com/Innovation/News/tower.html |access-date=8 November 2007}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
=== Hotel === On 21 February 2024, BT Group announced the sale of BT Tower to MCR Hotels, who plan to retain the tower as a hotel.<ref name="Kolirin 2024 m662">{{Cite web |last=Kolirin |first=Lianne |date=21 February 2024 |title=The BT Tower, London's futuristic landmark, to become hotel |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/21/travel/londons-iconic-bt-tower-to-become-hotel-intl-scli-gbr/index.html |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=CNN |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222004451/https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/21/travel/londons-iconic-bt-tower-to-become-hotel-intl-scli-gbr/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Laursen |first=Christian Moess |title=BT Group Sells London's BT Tower for $347 Million to MCR Hotels |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/telecom/bt-group-sells-londons-bt-tower-for-347-million-to-mcr-hotels-57fd5b02 |access-date=2024-02-21 |work=WSJ |language=en-US |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221103245/https://www.wsj.com/business/telecom/bt-group-sells-londons-bt-tower-for-347-million-to-mcr-hotels-57fd5b02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Jess |date=21 February 2024 |title=BT Tower: 'Iconic' landmark to be turned into a hotel after £275m sale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68352275 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=BBC News |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221101102/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68352275 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==In popular culture== [[File:Model of BT Tower in Miniland, Legoland Windsor.JPG|thumb|upright|Model of BT Tower in Legoland Windsor]] The tower has appeared in novels, films and on television, including ''Smashing Time'', ''The Bourne Ultimatum'', ''Space Patrol'', ''Doctor Who'', ''V for Vendetta'', ''28 Days Later'', ''28 Weeks Later'', ''The Union'' and ''Danger Mouse''. It is toppled by a giant kitten in ''The Goodies'' 1971 ''King Kong'' parody ''Kitten Kong''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2015 |title=Golden opportunity to relive 60s and dine at top of BT Tower |url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/19/bt-tower-restaurant-to-reopen-to-public |access-date=16 October 2021 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jury |first=Louise |date=19 June 2015 |title=The BT Tower restaurant is going to reopen this summer! |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/restaurants/bt-tower-restaurant-your-chance-to-turn-back-time-and-dine-at-the-top-of-a-landmark-10331448.html |access-date=17 January 2021 |website=Evening Standard |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601192433/https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/restaurants/bt-tower-restaurant-your-chance-to-turn-back-time-and-dine-at-the-top-of-a-landmark-10331448.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tower and the Glory: The BT Tower on Film (1960s parties and The Queen goes for a spin…) – British Pathé and the Reuters historical collection |url=https://www.britishpathe.com/blog/the-tower-and-the-glory-the-bt-tower-on-film-1960s-parties-and-the-queen-goes-for-a-spin-2/ |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=www.britishpathe.com |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602012555/https://www.britishpathe.com/blog/the-tower-and-the-glory-the-bt-tower-on-film-1960s-parties-and-the-queen-goes-for-a-spin-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
It was referenced by the Dudley Moore Trio's track "GPO Tower" used in the soundtrack for ''Bedazzled'' in which it also appeared,<ref name="gpo film">{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/237523-Dudley-Moore-Bedazzled|title=Discogs - Bedazzled|website=Discogs|date=1968|access-date=2024-08-04|archive-date=4 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804213614/https://www.discogs.com/master/237523-Dudley-Moore-Bedazzled|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as Cressida's track "Goodbye Post Office Tower Goodbye", released on the ''Asylum'' album in 1971.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-10 |title=Lyrics |url=https://cressida-group.co.uk/welcome-to-the-official-web-site-for-cressida/the-albums/lyrics/ |access-date=2025-09-07 |website=Cressida |language=en}}</ref>
Two stamps depicting the tower, designed by Clive Abbott (1933–2008), were issued in 1965.<ref>''West Lothian Courier'' Friday 6 August 1965, page 9</ref><ref>''East Kent Times'' Wednesday 13 October 1965, page 11</ref>
===Races=== The first documented race up the tower's stairs was on 18 April 1968, between University College London and Edinburgh University; it was won by an Edinburgh runner in 4 minutes, 46 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GPO Tower Race 1968: celebrating 50 years of UK tower running |url=https://towerrunninguk.com/tag/bt-tower/ |access-date=20 October 2018 |website=Running UK}}</ref>
In 1969, eight university teams competed. John Pearson from Victoria University of Manchester was fastest in 5 minutes, 6 seconds.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 January 1969 |title=GPO Tower Race To Top 1969 |url=https://www.britishpathe.com/video/gpo-tower-race-to-top |access-date=20 October 2018 |agency=British Pathe |archive-date=20 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020223758/https://www.britishpathe.com/video/gpo-tower-race-to-top |url-status=live }}</ref>
In May 1969, the tops of the GPO Tower and the Empire State Building in New York City served as the start and finish lines of the Daily Mail Trans-Atlantic Air Race. The race between the two buildings was held over an eight-day period and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first non-stop transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown. A total of 21 prizes were offered to entrants for categories based on the type of aircraft they utilised and their direction of travel.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 May 1969 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/05/12/archives/air-race-ends-proving-a-point-speed-on-land-helps-the-victors-cross.html |title=Air Race Ends, Proving a Point |work=The New York Times |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=July 1968 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qjJUpdt0o2YC&pg=PA4 |title=From the tower |magazine=Flying |pages=4, 6 |access-date=10 February 2025 |via=Google Books}}</ref>
==Secrecy== [[File:Post Office tower secrecy flyer 1978.jpg|thumb|upright|A flyer distributed in advance of a demonstration on 1 May 1978 in support of the defendants in the ABC trial]]
Information about the tower was designated an official secret and in 1978, journalist Duncan Campbell was tried for collecting information about such locations. The judge ordered the tower could only be referred to as "Location 23".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Grant |first=Thomas |title=Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories |publisher=John Murray |year=2015 |page=315}}</ref>
It is often said that the tower did not appear on Ordnance Survey maps, despite being a {{convert|177|m|adj=on}} tall structure in the middle of central London that had been open to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |title=London Telecom Tower, formerly BT Tower and Post Office Tower, Fitzrovia, West End, London |url=http://www.urban75.org/london/telecom.html |access-date=19 November 2014 |publisher=urban75 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108125429/http://www.urban75.org/london/telecom.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, this is incorrect; the 1971 1:25,000 and 1981 1:10,000 Ordnance Survey maps show the tower<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kennett |first=Paul |date=August 2016 |title=Not so secret tower |journal=Sheetlines |publisher=The Charles Close Society for the Study of Ordnance Survey Maps |issue=106 |page=27}} ([https://www.charlesclosesociety.org The Charles Close Society])</ref> as does the 1984 London A–Z street atlas.<ref>{{Cite book |title=A–Z London de luxe Atlas |publisher=Geographers' A–Z Map Company Ltd |year=1984 |page=59}}</ref>
In February 1993, MP Kate Hoey used the tower as an example of trivia being kept secret, and joked that she hoped parliamentary privilege allowed her to confirm that the tower existed and to state its street address.<ref>{{cite hansard |title=Column 634 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199293/cmhansrd/1993-02-19/Debate-5.html |house=House of Commons |date=19 February 1993 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807071423/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199293/cmhansrd/1993-02-19/Debate-5.html |date=7 August 2017 }}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed"> File:Post Office Tower during construction.jpg|Post Office Tower under construction in the 1960s File:View from the Post Office Tower in 1966 (4) (geograph 6862425).jpg|View of the British Museum and the River Thames from the Post Office Tower, 1966 File:Tottenham Court Road a Great Russel Street torkolatál, szemben a Euston Tower felhőkarcoló, balra a BT Tower TV torony látszik. Fortepan 100630.jpg|Post Office Tower in 1970 File:BT Tower.jpg|BT Tower from Queen's Tower, 2007 File:London - View from London Eye - BT Tower - panoramio.jpg|Top of BT Tower from the London Eye </gallery>
==See also== {{Portal|London|Architecture}} * List of masts * List of tallest buildings and structures in Great Britain * List of towers * List of tallest buildings and structures in London * Telecommunications towers in the UK
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|BT Tower, London}}
* {{Structurae|id=20009407|title=BT Tower (1964)}}. Retrieved on 21 January 2015.
{{s-start}} {{s-ach|rec}} {{s-bef|before=Millbank Tower}} {{s-ttl|title=Tallest Building in the United Kingdom|years=1967–1980<br /><small>177 m</small>}} {{s-aft|after=NatWest Tower}} {{s-bef|before=Millbank Tower}} {{s-ttl|title=Tallest Building in London|years=1967–1980<br /><small>177 m</small>}} {{s-aft|after=NatWest Tower}} {{s-end}} {{Buildings in the United Kingdom timeline}} {{BT Group}} {{London landmarks}} {{UKSkyscrapers|Completed}} {{MCR Hotels}}
Category:BT Group buildings and structures Category:BT Group Category:Butlins Category:Communication towers in the United Kingdom Category:Fitzrovia Category:General Post Office Category:Grade II listed buildings in the London Borough of Camden Category:Observation towers in the United Kingdom Category:Radio masts and towers in Europe Category:Skyscraper office buildings in London Category:Skyscrapers in the London Borough of Camden Category:Tourist attractions in the London Borough of Camden Category:Towers completed in 1964 Category:Towers in London Category:Towers with revolving restaurants