This record is a complete directory and explanation of each word found within the Domesday record on 1086. With its use the words explain the meaning and put the words into context of the day.
At six pages this document is a result of much research by Dr. Talbot and presents a unique record of both the entry for Penkhull, and to place this into context with that of its neighbouring settlements, shows that the village of Penkhull was the largest in wealth because of its land in the district containing around eleven hundred acres.
Over the centuries, there has been an argument as to why the town of Newcastle under Lyme was not mentioned, all of which can be dismissed as here it is recorded under Trentham which the entry of Domesday there is a description in medieval terms of measurement and wealth and importantly who was the tenant under the Lordship of King William. Certainly, an important and impressive document to any study of Domesday containing all the areas of the necessary research to provide a conclusive document.
With the closure of Hanley’s Theatre Royal in 1961, both Stoke, and the North Staffs Amateur Operatic Societies found them-selves without a venue. The North Staffs went to the Queens Theatre, Burslem and Stoke Society to a much larger venue, the Gaumont in Piccadilly Hanley, just across the road from the Royal. The Gaumont opened in 1929, at the height of the silent moves had a large stage, fly-tower, dressing rooms and orchestra pit with an electric organ, creating it as a dual-purpose venue so small acts and other entertainment including The Regent Girls could perform live by flying the screen into the tower. This enabled the Gaumont to stage the odd one-night stand just a few times a year which included some of the best entertainers around the circuit to packed houses of over two thousand.
This accounts give a details story of how the Stoke Amateurs presented many musicals with full orchestra and set with 17 lines. With their record of high attendance at each show convinced the Rank organisation to present pantomimes and other one and two night stands once the Theatre Royal closed proving that it could become a full working theatre with its Grade II* status meaning its future was secure. A great read for theatre lovers.
This is a ‘First’ in the theatres history, the subject has never previously been approached despite having the important role of producing a local audience that would support a theatre in the town of Stoke. Planning permission was difficult as it was built of wood but in the end the council agreed to its building as it was meant as a trial theatre to support the building of a grand permanent theatre which it did. A great read with full details of the building but sadly there is no image available.
Little if anything has ever been written about a small, corrugated steel-built cinema that stood facing the A34 at Trentvale opposite to the entrance of London Road called the KOZY and created an interest and determination to find out about as much as possible as Richard lived only a matter of yards away for a few years.it was opened on 14th September 1922, at a time following the end of WW1 when the Trent Vale district was starting to develop with more social housing and estates both at Trent Vale and nearby Hanford.
This account covers most of the ups and downs of a small local cinema and how it evolved as part of the community. Between films the scree would be moved for short live shows, magicians, dancers, ventriloquists and more to attract more bums on seats.
It became a second home to many mostly within walking distance and on a number of occasions the building was hires out for special occasions such as lectures or specific films for certain groups. A good read for those keen to learn more about provincial cinemas of the early 20th century.
Once the Hanley Borough Council had taken over the firmer Queens Hotel in Hanley in 1886 from the brink of bankrupsy, thoughts turned to the need for large assembly hall. Usually, town councils frequently put out work of this magnitude to external consultants but in this case the brief was given to the borough engineer and surveyor, Mr Joseph Lobley. The site was to the rear of the town hall, situated on the former bowling green to the Queens Hotel. The new Assembly Hall had to be of a standard to compliment the new town hall and the reputation of Hanley, the most important and prestigious town in the Potteries.
The main feature of this concert hall has always been its outstanding acoustics, valued by world renowned artists. The main objective of Dr Talbot’s was to research the basic planning issues from the start. This meant a visit to the National Archives at Kew where discovered was the full details with drawings of how and why the Victoria Hall was designed and the impeccable dedication in getting it right by the architect, not a specialist but by the Hanley Borough’s own architect. The original name was to be The Assembly Room, but this was changed as it opened in the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. One other fact was that Elton John appeared there and performed to an audience totally overcome by his outlandish performance. Want to know more – well order your own copy with photographs.
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