Alexandra Palace is in North London, and stands in Alexandra Park, in an area between Hornsey, Muswell Hill and Wood Green. It was built in 1873 as a public centre of recreation, education and entertainment and as North London’s counterpart to the Crystal Palace in South London.
It was designed to be “The People’s Palace” and was later nicknamed “Ally Pally” (allegedly by Gracie Fields), In 1936 it became the headquarters of the world’s first regular public “high-definition” television service, operated by the BBC. The Alexandra Palace television station was located on the site and its iconic radio tower is still in use.
The building faces south so it is in sun for most of the day, and has the advantage of having a large park and good views across London. The best way to get to this site is via train to Alexandra Palace which is about a 15 minute train ride out of London (First Capital Connect – Kings Cross or Finsbury Park Station). You can sometimes get access to the inside of Alexandra Palace, and there are often events taking place at the site each.
Alexandra Palace Information
Photos © Philip Carey 2010
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