Ally Pally, North London

Alexandra Palace was built in 1873 as "the People's Palace", as a centre of recreation and entertainment.

It was named after the new Princess of Wales, Alexandra of Denmark. Only 16 days after opening the Palace was destroyed by fire. It was quickly rebuilt and reopened in 1875. The People's Palace contained a concert hall, art galleries, a museum, a lecture hall, a library and a swimming pool and race-course in the park.

In 1935 the BBC set up its production and transmission centre, and the UK's first public broadcasts of television. The antenna was the main BBC transmission centre until 1956, with a break during World War 2 when it was used to jam German bomber navigation systems.

Another disastrous fire occurred in 1980.

These days the Palace is used for concerns and exhibitions of all kinds.