The Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth :: Shared Description
The Hippodrome was built in 1903 as a circus, a function which it has retained throughout its history.
Inside, it retains its original circus ring which is convertible into a water-filled arena, a very rare survival, only 2 others being known worldwide. It is one of only two purpose-built circus buildings remaining in the UK, the other being at Blackpool Tower. The architect was R S Cockrill, son of the then Borough Engineer J W Cockrill, who used terracotta for a number of buildings in the town.
Some of the Art Nouveau decorative detailing is exquisite and appears to derive more from the French school than British styles. Originally the main façade could be seen from the sea front, but unfortunately later buildings have been constructed in that space so the full impact of the frontage cannot be properly experienced. Fortunately, it has not been encumbered by modern attachments to the frontage. Listed Grade II*.
Inside, it retains its original circus ring which is convertible into a water-filled arena, a very rare survival, only 2 others being known worldwide. It is one of only two purpose-built circus buildings remaining in the UK, the other being at Blackpool Tower. The architect was R S Cockrill, son of the then Borough Engineer J W Cockrill, who used terracotta for a number of buildings in the town.
Some of the Art Nouveau decorative detailing is exquisite and appears to derive more from the French school than British styles. Originally the main façade could be seen from the sea front, but unfortunately later buildings have been constructed in that space so the full impact of the frontage cannot be properly experienced. Fortunately, it has not been encumbered by modern attachments to the frontage. Listed Grade II*.
More nearby...
Related descriptions
- Northwest Tower
By Jo and Steve Turner. Used on 1 images
8 images use this description:
- View all images using this description in the Browser | On a Map
- View all images using "The Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth" Shared Description(s) | On a Map | (Just this shared description)
- This description is located in TG53050712,
Links for TG53050712 | Photos for TG53050712 - Find nearby images mentioning the words [ The Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth ] | (in the Browser)
These Shared Descriptions are common to multiple images. For example, you can create a generic description for an object shown in a photo, and reuse the description on all photos of the object. All descriptions are public and shared between contributors, i.e. you can reuse a description created by others, just as they can use yours.
Created: Mon, 5 Aug 2024, Updated: Mon, 5 Aug 2024
The 'Shared Description' text on this page is Copyright 2024 Alan Murray-Rust, however it is specifically licensed so that contributors can reuse it on their own images without restriction.
