10 Times Doctor Who Got History Totally Wrong

5. Daleks In Manhattan

The Shakespeare Code wasn't the only anachronistic adventure for the Tenth Doctor and Martha. In Daleks In Manhattan the pair visited New York City in 1930. Set in the Great Depression, the episode included the construction of the Empire State Building, a settlement of homeless people, and Daleks once again trying to enslave humanity. As far as historical accuracy goes, the story is pretty shoddy. It is true that there was a homeless community living in Central Park. However, the real Hooverville wasn't established until 1931. Likewise, the mast of the Empire State Building is said to be "1,472 feet above New York", but the building didn't reach that height until the 1950s, when the radio antenna was added to the top. One of the biggest errors, however, comes in the New York skyline. Over the course of the episode, the 1930 Statue of Liberty is clearly visible, complete with the iconic golden torch. However, the Statue's torch only became gold in 1986, when the statue was extensively repaired to mark its 100th anniversary. The original flame, which would still have been in place in 1930, was constructed from of panes of yellow-tinted glass which were mounted on a copper frame.
Contributor
Contributor

With a (nearly) useless degree in English literature and a personal trainer qualification he's never used, Freddie spends his times writing things that he hopes will somehow pay the rent. He's also a former professional singer, and plays the saxophone and ukulele. He's not really used to talking about himself in the third person, and would like to stop now, thanks.