Beacon Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beacon Tower |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Beacon Tower in 2010, when it was called Colston Tower
|
|
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Offices |
| Location | Bristol, England |
| Coordinates | 51°27′18″N 2°35′53″W / 51.455°N 2.598°W |
| Completed | 1973 |
| Height | |
| Roof | 63 m (207 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 15 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Moxley Jenner & Partners |
Beacon Tower, once known as Colston Tower, is a tall office building in the centre of Bristol, England. It stands on Colston Avenue. The building was planned in 1961 and finished in 1973. It is 63 metres (207 ft) tall and has 15 floors of offices.
A clock was added to the building around 1996. The building was originally named after Edward Colston. He was a person from Bristol who was involved in the slave trade. He was also a philanthropist, meaning he gave a lot of money to good causes. He was also a Member of Parliament for Bristol.
On 11 June 2020, the name "Colston Tower" was taken off the building. This happened because of public discussions about historical figures. A few days earlier, a statue of Edward Colston had been removed from its spot and placed into Bristol Harbour.
On 26 November 2020, the building's new name, Beacon Tower, was officially announced.
Contents
Beacon Tower: A Bristol Landmark
Beacon Tower is a well-known building in the city of Bristol. It is a modern office block that stands out in the city centre. Many people work in the offices inside this 15-story building. It was built to be a useful space for businesses.
What is Beacon Tower?
Beacon Tower is a high-rise building, which means it is very tall. It has 15 floors, mostly used as offices. The building was designed in the 1960s. It was completed in 1973. It reaches a height of about 63 metres (207 feet). The tower also has a clock that was added in the 1990s.
Why Did the Name Change?
The building's name changed from Colston Tower to Beacon Tower in 2020. This change happened because of a wider discussion in the UK. People were talking about how some historical figures are remembered. They wanted to make sure that public places reflect modern values.
Edward Colston's History
The building was originally named after Edward Colston. He was born in Bristol in the 17th century. Colston was a very wealthy merchant. He was involved in the Atlantic slave trade. This was a terrible time in history when people were bought and sold as property. This practice is now seen as deeply wrong and unfair.
Colston also used his wealth to support many charities in Bristol. He built schools and almshouses. This is why he was known as a philanthropist. However, his connection to the slave trade became a major point of discussion.
The Name Change Happens
In June 2020, there were many discussions about historical figures. People wanted to change names and statues linked to the slave trade. This led to the removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol. Soon after, the owners of Colston Tower decided to change its name. They wanted the building to have a name that better suited the city today. The new name, Beacon Tower, was announced later that year. It represents a fresh start for the building.
