Dimmeys was originally built in 1885;the dome on top of the tower was made of ruby-coloured glass and each evening candles were lit inside the dome and the red orb could be seen for miles.

However, with the threat of attack by the Germans during WW2, blackouts were enforced and the Dimmeys dome could no longer be lit up. Due to deterioration, the glass panels were later replaced with copper coverings.