Use Google Structured Data Testing tool to test this markup
Note : Semantic Markup has been restricted to first entities as you are not logged in.
<script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type": "WebPage","@id":"#main","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"http://penkhullhistorysociety.co.uk"}, "headline":"","description":"A Short History Bits and Pieces Boothen Directories","about":[{"@type": "Thing","name": "Short","sameAs": ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_film", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24862"]},{"@type": "Thing","name": "Theatres","sameAs": ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11635"]},{"@type": "Person","name": "Richard Talbot"},{"@type": "Organization","name": "Picture Houses"},{"@type": "Place","name": "Stoke","sameAs": ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoke-on-Trent", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134902"]},{"@type": "Thing","name": "Hi","sameAs": ["https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q782"]}],"author":{"@type":"Organization","url":"/","name":"/"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization", "name":"/", "url":"/", "logo": {"@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://www.example.com", "width": 4, "height": 97}},"datePublished":"2023-03-21T20:54:37","dateModified":"2023-03-21T20:54:37"}</script>
Just ask us to configure SemanticMarker to exactly fit your content...
... and it will deliver 100% accurate detailed Schema Markup.
Rejected entities (see configuration)
Pharmaceutical Drug: Anco (=> Ibuprofen)
Color: Brown (=> Brown)
Music: Opera (=> Opera)
Rugby: Saints (=> Northampton Saints)
Health disease: Excitement (=> Anxiety)
Food and Beverages: Delicacy (=> Delicacy)
Justice/Crime: Shooting (=> Shooting)
Death: Remains (=> Cremation)
Sports: Running (=> Running)
Boxing: Boxing (=> Boxing)
Tennis: Series (=> US Open Series)
Penkhull History Society -
A Short<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Short</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_film" />
</span> History
3 March 2023 3 March 2023 Categories Theatres/Cinemas
Dr Richard Talbot<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Richard Talbot</span>
</span> MBE
Majestic in Campbell Place, Stoke where no less than probably a thousand children<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">children</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child" />
</span> from the town<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">town</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_planning" />
</span> would pay their converted six pence for a seat in the stalls and for the better-off nine pence for the circle.
000 with 1735 cinemas holding cinema matinees for children. Source: media statistics<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">statistics</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistics" />
</span> website<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">website</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website" />
</span> taken from report<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">report</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Report" />
</span> from Wheare Committee
Cinema Matinee varied slightly between Picture Houses<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Picture Houses</span>
</span>. Some would be held on a Saturday morning others would be a Saturday afternoon.
Several cinemas especially ones who were part of the larger circuits such as the Odeon and The Gaumont Cinemas would have a club type atmosphere within their cinema matinees.
The notion of film clubs helped to develop the habit<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">habit</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_habit" />
</span> of going to the pictures from a young age which organisations like Rank and Odeon hoped would continue to turn young cinema goers into lifelong film fans<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">fans</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_(machine)" />
</span>.
Film Foundation<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Film Foundation</span>
</span> did its best to balance the gun toting thrills of American imports<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">American imports</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Import" />
</span> with good clean, very British adventures laced with morals and lessons<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">lessons</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesson" />
</span> in life.
By Dr Richard Talbot<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Richard Talbot</span>
</span> MBE
Crown<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Crown</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria" />
</span> built of wood<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">wood</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood" />
</span> in 1896 and replaced in 1900 by The Gordon Theatre<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Gordon Theatre</span>
</span>, probably the finest ever built in the pottery towns.
 As an historian I always find a challenge to put together a factual account of something of our past where little or nothing relating to a subject that has never been researched or written about before. So, the challenge of locating information<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">information</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information" />
</span> regarding the first ever live theatre<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">theatre</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drama" />
</span> in the town of Stoke-upon-Trent, prior to Federation<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Federation</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federation_Tower" />
</span> in 1910 has been a difficult process<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">process</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process" />
</span> but as you will read, I have managed<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">managed</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managed_services" />
</span> to locate sufficient information that will I hope to prove interesting and informative to the reader.
In the mid-nineteenth century there was a constant complaint by residents of the town that Stoke was not advancing in its growth<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">growth</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_growth" />
</span> with regards to that of its neighbouring towns. Very slow steps were taken towards the establishment of the various necessary public buildings<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">buildings</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_material" />
</span> that one expects in a busy manufacturing<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">manufacturing</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing" />
</span> district. However, little public enterprise was shown, and Stoke seemed under the under cloud<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">cloud</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing" />
</span>, whilst its near neighbour Hanley<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Hanley</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Hanley" />
</span>, was in fact assuming the position of metropolis of the potteries, a position that it has retained ever since but sadly at the time of writing<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">writing</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing" />
</span> (2023) it appears to be in serious decline as many shops and stores are closing and social<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">social</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media" />
</span> changes in society are having a serious effect on the foot-fall of the town.
The first chance Stoke had of becoming an important town was in 1849, when the North Staffordshire Railway Company<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">North Staffordshire Railway Company</span>
</span> decided that their headquarters should be there. With this the town council had a great  opportunity of making itself the centre of a large and well populated district, both for business<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">business</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business" />
</span> and pleasure<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">pleasure</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasure" />
</span>, amusements and entertainment<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">entertainment</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment" />
</span> all ow which had been lacking until the turn of events<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">events</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_(meeting)" />
</span> in the 1890s.
Many years previous, a theatre was talked about for the town to be erected in Copeland Street, but little evidence of any firm proposal has been found. However, it may have been as a result of a series of Winter Entertainments where upwards of two hundred attended in what was then in the wooden Congregational Church<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Congregational Church</span>
</span> which once stood in Copeland Street in the late 1860s, but nothing became of it. (I recall this being burnt down whilst in the ownership<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">ownership</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ownership" />
</span> of Anco Potteries in the early 1960s) There was no doubt<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">doubt</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doubt" />
</span> at the time that had such a place had been erected may have had a very powerful effect on the growth of the town, and certainly to some extent people would do their business and shopping<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">shopping</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopping" />
</span> where they also find places of entertainment and amusements.
It was a fact that for many years Stoke people were in the habit of going to Hanley for everything, as Stoke was so dull and the shops were few. Competition<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Competition</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Competition_(economics)" />
</span> was greater at Hanley, and the goods therefore cheaper and better. When the steam trams<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">steam trams</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(software)" />
</span> commenced running many shopkeepers<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">shopkeepers</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shopkeeper" />
</span> in the neighbouring towns would pay the tram<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">tram</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram" />
</span> fares for customers<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">customers</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer" />
</span> purchasing<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">purchasing</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing" />
</span> a certain quantity of goods from there shops. There was little pleasure in walking around Stoke to see the shops because few existed with little choice to offer.
Previous to the opening of the railway<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">railway</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport" />
</span> we had a handsome building in the town, and I believe the handsomest public building in the district at the present moment the town hall<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">town hall</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seat_of_local_government" />
</span> in Glebe Street replacing the old covered market and town offices above situated in Hill Street. This new town hall was erected in 1836 at a cost<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">cost</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost" />
</span> of £10,000 which was probably the first step in the growth of the town which seemed at once to become a place of some importance (Hanley at this period was a very small place known principally as Far Green). The lower portion of this noble edifice<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">edifice</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building" />
</span> was used as a market<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">market</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/marketplace" />
</span> and, although small, plenty of business was transacted and Saturdays which became a much livelier for the townspeople. It was thought at the time Stoke was fast going to take the premier position; but it sadly the initial interest<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">interest</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interest" />
</span> was but a flash in the pan, and excitement soon wore out. Very little building was going on, and not much public spirit shown in the town.
From this time the town became dormant with little or nothing of improvements to mention. However, by the mid-1870s things started to improve with the erection<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">erection</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction" />
</span> of houses on land<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">land</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape" />
</span> called the allotments which belonged to Frederick Bishop<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Frederick Bishop</span>
</span> of the Mount in the form of a group of people encouraged to purchase and build their own terraced home. This was followed by the building on established Glebe land belonging to the Rector of Stoke church. First Lonsdale Street was built, then shortly after, Campbell Road came into existence, and now all the land on both sides of this long road was fast being built on. In fact, it was recorded at the time with these significant developments Stoke has undoubtably gone ahead.
Church<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Church</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church" />
</span> Street was demolished and replaced with a new row of fine shops under the heading Campbell Place. Following this further advance were made in the town.
It was later a great improvement to the town for where the market now stands next to the new town hall at the top end of what is now Kingsway stood Cannister Hall, a large house erected by Thomas Wolfe<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Thomas Wolfe</span>
</span>, the Potter, after whom the name Wolfe Street was given. This old house was for many years uninhabited, and the open ground<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">ground</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_(electricity)" />
</span> in front was utilised in summer<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">summer</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer" />
</span> for Stoke wakes. Here came shows, roundabouts shooting galleries, boxing booths, Sally dolls, and a host<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">host</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospitality" />
</span> of other things that go to make up that curious festival known to this day as Stoke wakes. We should think that everybody felt<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">felt</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felt" />
</span> glad when this kind of thing was crowded out of the town to find a home in obliging Hanley. But even the Hanley folks are tired of accommodating Stoke wakes, and it looks very much as if the wondering show man will have to clear out for good be before long.
Folks thought it somewhat of a folly<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">folly</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folly" />
</span> because they never expected good big shops to pay and Stoke, but time has proved that the initial step of demolishing the former factory from what is now Campbell Place became the focus of improvements in the town. So, what next for the town of Stoke?
No town is complete that has not some form of public amusement<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">amusement</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amusement" />
</span> or entertainment, and a theatre had become a necessity<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">necessity</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necessity_(tort)" />
</span> in such busy manufacturing towns as Stoke with an increasing population<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">population</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population" />
</span>.
And, more than this, it is also necessary that the towns folk should have not too far to go for our enjoyment, for if this necessitated a journey of several miles, one half the pleasure was lost with a feelings of misery having to face a slow, dreary return home either by foot or tram.
At the time it was the opinion that there was no doubt that had a good theatre being erected in Stoke about 20 years ago, the town would have been in a much more flourishing than it was just before the end of the 19 th century despite their being some advancement in the last decade. Â But what was lacking was a good place of amusement; something to bring people into the town, and to centralise it. If folks got into the habit of going to a town full enjoyment, one may be almost sure that they would do their shopping there to the loss of the tradespeople of their own borough.
However, things were about to change when two businessmen Messrs, Crichton and Carlton, (there were a number of theatres built under the name of Crichton including Davenport<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Davenport</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davenport,_Iowa" />
</span> and Walsall<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Walsall</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walsall" />
</span> ) first came to Stoke with the idea of building a theatre, many people laughed at them, remarking that such a venture<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">venture</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venture_capital" />
</span> would never pay in Stoke, as they had one in Hanley where everybody went. Fortunately, these plucky gentlemen<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">gentlemen</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentleman" />
</span> were not deterred, and very soon acquired<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">acquired</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mergers_and_acquisitions" />
</span> a good central site in Wolfe Street,(now Kingsway) and plans were obtained from Mr Lynam, and the present wooden structure soon came into existence.
I have tried to locate either a photograph or the plans without success. Even searched Mr.
Stafford Archives<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Stafford Archives</span>
</span> and a BA<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">BA</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Army" />
</span> dissertation at Keele listing his achievements without success. But fortunately, a few notes have survived that gives us an insight to the Crown Theatre itself.
With regards to the theatre being build of wood no one has ever challenged why and not that of brick<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">brick</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick" />
</span> and tiled roof<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">roof</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roof" />
</span>. The answer to this was it was a trial<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">trial</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial" />
</span> theatre to see if there was sufficient demand for a theatre in Stoke whereas there was already one in Hanley and a number in Longton<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Longton</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longton,_Staffordshire" />
</span>. But the plans nearly failed to pass the General Purposes Committee at Stoke Borough on the 28 th November 1896 as we can read.
Mr Yoxall referring to the clause in the report|SPK relating to the proposed theatre urged that the plan submitted to be approved. He did not see that the ratepayers of Stoke should be debarred from a theatre in their own town and obliged to go to Hanley or Longton. Stoke was quite dead with regards to amusement and it was acknowledged, and the corporation<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Corporation">
<span itemprop="name">corporation</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation" />
</span> woke up to this fact.
The committee<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">committee</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee" />
</span> objected to the building because it was a wooden structure, but he pointed out that the promoter<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">promoter</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promoter_(entertainment)" />
</span> was going to invest £700 or £800 in the venture, which was a very large amount to spend in the town to take up and displayed a spirit in which the council ought to assist him. If the theatre built in the town be a more permanent structure, there would no doubt if it was deemed a success.
Mr Holton seconded this proposition.
Trent Vale<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Trent Vale</span>
</span>. He pointed out that at Burslem the theatre was a wooden structure and had been authorised by the Burslem corporation. He mentioned that if it would meet the objections. Messes Lynam and Beckett<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Beckett</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Beckett" />
</span> stated that the roof would be secured with corrugated iron<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">iron</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron" />
</span>. The site was a suitable one, and they had shown that they had sought local opinions that the theatre would be supported leading then to it being far more likely to take that a proper constructed building would follow.
He might add the building would have to be approved by the Corporation and the magistrates<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">magistrates</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_of_the_peace" />
</span> before the consent<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">consent</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consent" />
</span> was granted. The Mayor asked the borough surveyor<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">surveyor</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantity_surveyor" />
</span> if the plans complied with the bylaws. Mr Brown replied it was in the discretion of the council to pass the plans of a wooden structure if they thought proper. Mr Yoxall still said the proposed plans submitted before the subcommittee the chairman said if a theatre was to be built of wood, they would not adopt them, the committee had no chance of discussing the plans. The proposal by Mr Greatbatch the plans be referred back to the committee was lost and the recommendation was carried approving of the plans subject to a corrugated roof of iron being provided.
So, with all hurdles overcome except the approval of the magistrate to issue a performance<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">performance</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance" />
</span> licence<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">licence</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licentiate" />
</span> once completed the building commenced immediately and by the 18 th
A wooden building with an iron roof had been erected by Lynam and Beckett at a cost £7,800. In 1900 (£900,000 in 2023) was ready for its first production.
The new Crown Theatre was situated in Wolfe Street and from a press report dated 18 th February 1897 that helps the reader to build up a picture of what the theatre was like. It consisted of a stage with ground and first floor<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">floor</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floor" />
</span> dressing rooms, orchestra and auditorium comprising stalls, pit on the ground floor: on the first floor, four boxes, circle and gallery, a total of three floors. Between the ground floor and the floor of the back stalls were situated the refreshment bar and office. The seating accommodation on the ground floor amounted to seven hundred and on the first floor four hundred, altogether eleven hundred seats. There were three doors for ingress. The provision<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">provision</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provision_(accounting)" />
</span> of the exits was placed so empty the auditorium in the minimum of time. The stage has an additional and separate entrance<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">entrance</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entrance" />
</span> and exits. Â Lighting<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Lighting</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting" />
</span> is to be partly electric and partly gas. Heating<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Heating</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HVAC" />
</span> was with the aid of gas stoves, with good provision for ventilation<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">ventilation</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventilation_(architecture)" />
</span> and safety<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">safety</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety" />
</span>. The building is from the design of messes Lynam and Beckett. The theatre has been very nicely fitted up, the upholstery<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">upholstery</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upholstery" />
</span> being in the capable hands<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">hands</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand" />
</span> of Messrs George Fleet<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">George Fleet</span>
</span> and Sons, of Stoke.
At the stipendiary court held on the 12 th February 1897at Stoke Mr J.B. Ashwell applied on behalf of Mr Arthur Carlton<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Arthur Carlton</span>
</span> for a licence for the new theatre which will be known as the Crown Theatre. Mr Carlton, said, he had considerable experience of theatres, and was sure is conjunction with his partner Mr Malcolm Crichton<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Malcolm Crichton</span>
</span>, the proprietor of four other theatres. The theatre was a wooden structure, situated on land which had been leased for 21 years. The building had been constructed at a cost of over £1000 under the supervision of Mr Charles Lynam<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Charles Lynam</span>
</span> the well-known architect<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">architect</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architect" />
</span>. The plans had been presented to the Corporation of Stoke and subsequently passed by the council without a single descent. The theatre could be cleared in case of fire<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">fire</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire" />
</span> in less than two minutes.
Davenport, also a letter from the chief constable of the county borough of Walsall, testifying to the good management<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">management</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_management" />
</span> of the theatre.
Stoke, and personally conduct the management of the Crown. He had been shown at the hand of Stoke in the press that the town was a dull place, with little to offer in the realm of amusement for the inhabitants, who, if they required amusement had to go to Hanley. He believed that the granting of the application would give universal satisfaction to the inhabitants of Stoke. Mr Lyman then produced the plans and described the arrangements<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">arrangements</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrangement" />
</span> of the building. The borough surveyor (Mr Bowden) stated having inspected the theatre which was built according to the plans as approved by the Corporation. The bench<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">bench</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bench_(furniture)" />
</span> unanimously granted the application.
In an article<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">article</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_(publishing)" />
</span> published two years following the opening of the Crown a further preview of the theatre has been located.
It is far more comfortable and roomier place than one would imagine, judging by the exterior and the stage is capable of accommodating almost any play<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">play</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play_(theatre)" />
</span> that travels<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">travels</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel" />
</span> the country<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">country</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country" />
</span>. About 1,500 people can be comfortably seated, and on the opening night, nearly two years ago over 2,000 patrons paid for admission. Under the management of Mr. Carlton, the theatre at once became popular, and when the original novelty of having a theatre in the town attendance slightly dropped but a was followed by a steady number of patrons. The final cost of the building amounted to something like £1,400. During the time that it has been opened, the place has been conducted in an excellent manner, and many good plays have been bought to Stoke owing to the energy<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">energy</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_wiring" />
</span> of Mr. Carlton who has been responsible for all bookings.
Some few months ago Mr D. H. Mountford, proprietor of the Gordon hotel<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">hotel</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel" />
</span>, bought out Mr Carlton, and he has recently purchased the theatre altogether. Not content with this, Mr Mountford has determined to erect a good theatre in Stoke, one that shall not be behind any of the neighbouring places, and one that will do credit to the town.
By the September of the opening year, 1897, the Crown Theatre was reported to have sufficient productions<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">productions</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production" />
</span> that wish to come to Stoke. One such play was The Greed of Gold presented by Mr T Morton Powell<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Morton Powell</span>
</span> and company. With the same play earlier in the year but back again by demand.
However, a Letter to the Editor of the Sentinel dated the 8 th October doubted the proprietors earlier statements the Crown was a temporary building to ascertain the demand and sustainability<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">sustainability</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability" />
</span> of a theatre in Stoke before a much larger, permanent theatre was built.
Then in his conclusion Mr Crichton challenges the critic when he suggested that first-class companies<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">companies</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Company" />
</span> have avoided Stoke with the answer that the same touring companies that visit Liverpool<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Liverpool</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool" />
</span>, Manchester<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Manchester</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester" />
</span> and Birmingham<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Birmingham</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham" />
</span> are already booked at the Crown. Mr Crichton signed it from another of his theatres The Regent at Salford<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Salford</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salford,_Greater_Manchester" />
</span>.
Mr. J. D. Green<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Green</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green" />
</span> in December 1897 .
The shows already booked included a well-known melodrama<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">melodrama</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melodrama" />
</span> The Face<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Face</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wigan" />
</span> at the Window<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Window</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window" />
</span> a play written by F. Brooke-Warren earlier that year. Finally, it was announced that the pantomime Dick Whittington<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Dick Whittington</span>
</span> would appear early in 1898.
A change of the ownership of The Crown took place in the February of 1898 as Mr. Arthur Carlton<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Arthur Carlton</span>
</span> sold his shares to Mr. David H. Mountford<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">David H. Mountford</span>
</span> the owner of the Gordon Hotel<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Gordon Hotel</span>
</span>, directly opposite The Crown in Wolfe Street.
On Tuesday October 11th, 1898, the Sentinel<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Sentinel</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi" />
</span> critic compiled an extended review of Colleen Bawn<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Colleen Bawn</span>
</span> by Irish Playwright, Dion Boucicault<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Dion Boucicault</span>
</span> stating that it every way it was a great success. Madame Constance Bellamy<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Constance Bellamy</span>
</span> appeared in the title role, and so captivated her audience<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">audience</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audience" />
</span> by her graceful acting and charming songs that they insisted on her recall at least five times.
Another favourite 14 th
The Sorrows of Satin, a firm favourite of Stoke where it was reported that local theatregoers have again an opportunity of witnessing an excellent dramatic adaption on the book<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">book</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book" />
</span> at The Crown and described as playing the a near sell-out theatre.
They All Love Jack
Messrs Douglas C. Phelps<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Douglas C. Phelps</span>
</span> and Charles Wood<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Charles Wood</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wood,_1st_Viscount_Halifax" />
</span> and a specially selected company performing this week at Stoke. The audience last night was not slow to recognise the merits of the peace. The argument of which hinges on a sale is love. There is of course<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">course</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Course_(education)" />
</span> the usual villain who weaves around the hero and heroine<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">heroine</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero" />
</span> the intrigue and plotting to bring their downfall.
At this point there had been no announcement that soon the wooden Crown Theatre was soon to be closed and demolished to enable the new large purpose theatre to be built. The only clue is that a normal advertisement appeared in the Sentinel dated the 13 th
Then followed a further announcement on Thursday it was to be for the benefit of Mr. J. D. Green. This meant the proceeds of nights performance would be given to Mr. Greene as a form of a thank-you for his services rendered as manager of the theatre for several years. There was no other further advertisement for the Crown Theatre confirming its closure.
Gordon Theatre<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Gordon Theatre</span>
</span>, Wolfe Street, Stoke upon Trent.
Grand Opening March 1900 by Dr Richard Talbot<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Richard Talbot</span>
</span> MBE
As a young boy living in the town of Stoke, I used to visit the old Hippodrome Cinema with my family at least once a fortnight.
By the time I was attending the building had been completely re-modelled into a cinema and the God<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">God</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God" />
</span> s removed. However, at a closer look there remained parts of its glorious past especially on the first floor.
The new building, which was opened on Monday 10 th March 1900 replacing a former (trial wooden theatre on the same site by the name of The Crown).
Belle of New York company and is remarkable for originality in the design. Messrs Owen and Ward of Birmingham are the architects, and very well had they executed their work. The full name given it by the proprietor, Mr D. H. Mountford, is the new Gordon Theatre<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Gordon Theatre</span>
</span> and Opera house. That no expense<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">expense</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expense" />
</span> has been spared to ensure the comfort<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">comfort</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort" />
</span> of visitors is seen at a glance. The theatre which has a facade of 160 feet to Wolfe Street (now Kingsway) is constructed in red brick<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">red brick</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red" />
</span>, with both terracotta facings. The principal block<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">block</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_masonry_unit" />
</span> is surmounted by two large terracotta cupolas, between which stands a handsome gilded figure representing Liberty<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Corporation">
<span itemprop="name">Liberty</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_(department_store)" />
</span>. There was also over the principal entrance and artistically modelled bust<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">bust</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast" />
</span> of General Gordon<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">General Gordon</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_George_Gordon" />
</span>, while an iron veranda<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">veranda</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veranda" />
</span> filled in with all the mental and coloured glass<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">glass</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass" />
</span> runs the whole length of the building.
The auditorium is divided into orchestra stalls, pit stalls, and pit on the ground floor; boxes, dress<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">dress</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dress" />
</span> circle and balcony<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">balcony</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balcony" />
</span> on the first floor; with amphitheatre and gallery over. The principal entrance has a fine vestibule leading to the first circle; the floor is laid with Minton tiles, while several large paintings by M. Boullemier, adorn the walls<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">walls</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall" />
</span>. There are two staircases leading into a large foyer, the steps of which are of white marble.
Salonen, and winter gardens<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">winter gardens</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter" />
</span>. The other parts of the house have separate entrances, and ample exits are provided from all parts.
Fireproof curtain<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">curtain</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtain" />
</span> and hydrants were provided, and the safety of the public was fully considered. The auditorium has been comfortably seated, furnished, and are upholstered throughout; the sanitary and ventilating arrangements are excellent. The building is erected on fireproof principles and from every seat may be obtained clear and uninterrupted view of the stage.
The whole of the building is fitted with heating apparatus and lighted with electricity, supplemented with gas.
42 feet deep from the stage to the grid is 57 feet. The dressing rooms are well ventilated and provided with every requisite. The ceilings throughout, and gallery fronts are decorated with an exquisitely modelled design in plaster<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">plaster</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaster" />
</span>, tastefully coloured and gilded; the richness of the gilding and the delicacy and beauty<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">beauty</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty" />
</span> of the colourings give a charming effect. The stage front is very prettily executed, and attractive feature being the floral designs painted in the panels of the boxes.
In a word<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">word</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word" />
</span>, the former dingy Crown Theatre has been turned into a pretty and comfortable little theatre the interior decorations are by Messrs D. Jonge; the upholstery by Messrs Brookfield and Windows<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Windows</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_10" />
</span>, Stafford; the electric light<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">electric light</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_light" />
</span> installation and arrangements Messrs Ludlow and Knight; gas installation by Stott; fireproof curtain, Messrs Wilkins Bros and Mr Thomas Godwin<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Thomas Godwin</span>
</span>, Hanley, is the builder. Mr Edmund Swift<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Edmund Swift</span>
</span> is responsible for the excellently painted scenery, Mr E. Jones has been appointed musical director to an orchestra numbering sixteen. Mr. D. H. Mountford is assisted in his managerial duties by Mr Frank Mountford.
The Belle of New York company gave the opening performance.
Mr Arthur Ricketts<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Arthur Ricketts</span>
</span> is found a most accomplished Ichabod Bronson. Harry Bronson<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Harry Bronson</span>
</span> has a fine exponent in Mr Charles Gervase<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Charles Gervase</span>
</span>, whose singing is admirable Mr Sam T. Pearce<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Sam T. Pearce</span>
</span> as Carl Von Pumprtknick<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Carl Von Pumprtknick</span>
</span> is very amusing, a remark which also applies to Messrs M Carlton and T Granes as the twin Portuguese. Mr Jos. A. Tate makes a most laughable Snifkins. Blinky Bill is capably portrayed by Mr. W. Ritter Riley<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Ritter Riley</span>
</span>, whose whistling calls for much applause, while Mr water Uridge does well as Muggs. Violet Gray<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Violet Gray</span>
</span> is cleverly represented by Miss Empsie Bowman. Miss Maud Darling<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Maud Darling</span>
</span> is also successful.
At the conclusion, Mr Mountford called before the curtain, and in a neat speech<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">speech</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_speaking" />
</span> to thanked those in the audience for their kind support.
A few years ago, I set about tracing the architects which had long gone. Contacted the local archives, the Theatres Trust<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Theatres Trust</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatres_Trust" />
</span> and the National Archives to see if the original drawings had survived. Sadly, nothing remains and I recall the late John Abberley<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">John Abberley</span>
</span> of the Sentinel on a number of occasions if anyone knew of the whereabouts of the bust of General Gordon. My guess it that it ended up in a skip smashed to pieces. In fact, at the age of sixteen I used to walk past on a regular basis during the process of it being demolished and standing on the other side of Kingsway and remembered with joy all that my mother<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">mother</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother" />
</span> told me about its early years.
If you have enjoyed reading<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">reading</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Berkshire" />
</span> this account of the Gordon Theatre<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Gordon Theatre</span>
</span>, why not that of the first theatre opened in N.Staffs the Newcastle<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Place">
<span itemprop="name">Newcastle</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcastle_upon_Tyne" />
</span> and Pottery Theatre in Nelson Place<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Nelson Place</span>
</span>.
1788 to 1957. Just search www penkhullhistorysociety.co.uk/shop and order a copy only £10.
Posted on 2 March 2023 3 March 2023 Categories Theatres/Cinemas
The book is not yet available
1 May 2022 4 July 2022 Categories Books, Misc
This page<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">page</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_page" />
</span> has been added as the hits<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">hits</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HITS_algorithm" />
</span> onto this site come from most countries of the world. In fact there are in excess of 8,000 in the first year and growing. Must be the most popular local history site in the world.Â
This pages gives the opportunity for those ex-pats to link up again with friends of the past. So all you need to do is to post your name, contact details and your memories of Penkhull
This email<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">email</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email" />
</span> arrived yesterday 15th March 2019 all the way from New Mexico. Delighted that she wrote to me and I have just responded in return. If you have a contribution<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">contribution</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contribution_margin" />
</span> or just a message and want to say Hi<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">Hi</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii" />
</span> please reply on the contact email address.
Jennifer Huntsberger<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<span itemprop="name">Jennifer Huntsberger</span>
</span> wrote:
By chance I have just found your web page. I am thrilled to find myself, and some childhood<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">childhood</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood" />
</span> friends, in the school<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">school</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School" />
</span> photographs within your article on Boothen.
As a child we walked, and played, along the new Coronation Gardens that replaced the canal<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">canal</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal" />
</span>. Timothy Trout<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Timothy Trout</span>
</span> memorial , at the bottom of James Street, was a reminder for the dangers of canal waters<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Thing">
<span itemprop="name">waters</span>
<link itemprop="sameAs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water" />
</span>. All Saints<span itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Organization">
<span itemprop="name">Saints</span>
</span> church, across the road from the school, featured greatly in our lives.
 The area from The Villas to Regents Street has seen many changes over my 70 years. When I return to Stoke from my home in the US I always hope that it is on an upswing and back to the nurturing place of my childhood.