Superstition: Why do we still avoid the number 13?

Houses numbered 13 are usually cheaper while in the past some councils have actually banned new housing developments from using the number because residents do not like living there.

Sarah Thomas from Grangetown in Cardiff spotted the tower on the Brains site when she was coming out of her offices at Network Rail nearby.

“It piqued my curiosity when I saw it was missing,” she said.

“I did assume it was down to superstition, but I Googled to confirm and only then realised how widely practised it is. Quite a few friends have said they’ve been in buildings or lifts where the number 13 is missing – clearly I need to visit some taller structures.”

She describes herself as not superstitious but feels some habits stem from common sense, adding: “I’d rather not walk under a ladder if possible, to avoid the risk of injury.

“I do find the history behind superstitions interesting as they give us an insight into how people connected specific events with more day-to-day activities.”

Some of the most high-profile structures in the UK retain the superstition.

When London’s Canary Wharf was redeveloped and the distinctive One Canada Square tower was built in 1990 – at the time the tallest building in the UK – it opened its doors minus a floor 13 and remains the same today.

And if you want to take a spin on one of the London Eye’s 32 pods, you may be surprised to learn you can book number 33. Which, naturally, replaces the missing number 13.