The Gigantic Wheel of Earl’s Court

Before there was a London Eye, there was a Gigantic Wheel. Let’s have a look at the tallest thing in Earl’s Court.

[General_Confusion]

They could have re-built the Gigantic Wheel at Winsor Castle. Then when people got to the top they would say "Oh look, there's Earl's Court". May have got another Eleven years out of it before the novelty wore off again. I don't know why people didn't think of this.

[juwer]

Jago's dry humour honestly never disappoints...

[tentringer]

Nobody expected the Spanish Exhibition.

[gravatik]

The more of Jago's videos I watch, the more I am convinced that at least half the UK economy is comprised of "Pret a Manger" franchises.

[zaydin]

Back in the early 1980s I volunteered at a Community Centre in Earl's Court and there were still people around who remembered the Wheel; it was something that came up at old folks lunches etc. I had no idea it was so big, and so long ago.

[zeddessell]

Fun Fact: When it came time to demolish this wheel in 1906, inspections showed that it was in such a poor condition that it actually had to be repaired before it could be safely dismantled.

[susiewickham]

I gather the front facade of the old Earls Court exhibition centre is going to be put back in as it has a preservation order on it. I love it.

[sirrliv]

I love the first generation of ferris wheels; the Chicago World's Fair, this beauty. There's just something so evocative, so magically Victorian about masses of riveted iron and steel, hair-thin stay cables radiating out from the world's largest steel castings to support cars the size of train carriages. It's a damn shame more didn't survive.

If you want just a taste of what riding this magnificent wheel might've been like, and if we survive to see the post-COVID era when travel is safe again, there is one of the original grand dames left. Like most old grand things, it's in Vienna, Austria, at the Wiener Prater amusement park. Though I can't find any official say yes or no, I believe this is oldest operating ferris wheel in the world. It also featured prominently in a scene from the classic film "The Third Man."

[interrobang]

George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. was born in Galesburg, IL. The Ferris family was influential there, having a street named after them. My favorite fact about our character is that he's a guy named after a guy named after a guy named after a guy. Named after his father, George Washington Gale Ferris Sr, named after the founder of Galesburg, George Washington Gale, named after the first president, George Washington.

[ghanthor]

I used to go to Earls Court every year for The Royal Tournament in my childhood.

[AtomicKnights]

I was at the Exhibition Centre a few years ago for the Film & Comic Con and I remember Earl’s Court station very well.
I am very grateful that you are making these videos. So we can still see the world even though we can no longer travel.

[jeremytravis]

I used to live in Earls Court back in the 1970s. 
Oddly my Great Grandfather rode with Buffalo Bill when he came to the UK from America.
I never knew they had a show in Earls Court. I only knew about Glasgow.

[janlancaster]

Fantastic to see and even more exciting to hear my great grandfather mentioned. My maiden name is Kiralfy and I’m Very proud of Imre. Let’s hear more about the White City exhibitions of his please

[UTubeThePatient]

Yes, London Eye has lasted more than 10 years... I love the shot of 2 entrance signs, 1 with "Earls Court" and one with "Earl's Court" at the end.

[MrFantasnick]

I’m reminded of Watkin’s tower idea in Wembley, ergo to create landmarks along the routes to generate interest and collateraly, long-term devellopement. Fascinating ! 👍

[garycook]

Nice that the Doctor was visiting Earls Court the same day as you

[RobCCTV]

It may be off the normal theme of this video series, but I think there's plenty of interesting stuff to tell about the triangular cross section building that is seen in many of these shots. It is the Empress State building, which was named because of the Empress music hall that stood where it was built, and also in honor of the Empire State building. Its used by the Metropolitan Police, for whom I work. Great views from that building, especially the revolving bar at the top.

[tommcgrath]

Again, another superb piece of London history from Jago that I was unaware of, thankyou.

[robbed_copy]

Jago, your videos are always so relaxing and informative with a splash of humour too. Keep up the amazing work

[SixthQuarter]

Another brilliant video. I have lived in west London all my 39years and I never knew this thing ever existed. Great video. Lots learned and good few giggles too. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼