Tag: 1912

St Stephen-on-the-Cliffs and The Actor’s Chapel

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The Church of St Stephen-on-the-Cliffs on Holmfield Road, Blackpool, is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Blackpool, the archdeaconry of Lancaster, and the diocese of Blackburn. St Stephen’s originated as a mission church to All Hallows Church, Bispham, and was opened in 1912. It became known as “The Church on the Cliffs”. In 1919 St Stephen’s became a parish in its own right. The mission church was too small to accommodate its growing congregation, and money was raised to build a new, larger church on a site to the north of the mission church. Its foundation stone… Read more »

Wednesday Half-Day Closing

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The tradition of half-day closing on Wednesdays in the UK is rooted in a combination of historical practices, cultural habits, and labor laws, with a unique connection to archery and the role of seaside resorts like Blackpool. The origin of half-day closing can be traced back to medieval England, where archery was a crucial skill for national defense. The English longbow required significant training, and to ensure a capable military force, King Edward III issued a royal decree in 1363 mandating that all able-bodied men practice archery regularly. This practice was typically held on Sundays and holidays after church services…. Read more »

From Trocadero Cinema to Happy Dayz Amusements

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The Happy Dayz building, now a popular amusement arcade, has a long and varied history that began far from the world of gaming and entertainment machines. Originally opened as a cinema on 17 May 1912, the building was first known as the Central Beach Cinema. Located on the Promenade opposite the Central Pier, the cinema offered both film screenings and live stage performances. This dual purpose made it an important part of Blackpool’s entertainment scene, but its history would prove to be anything but stable. By the early 1920s, the cinema underwent its first name change, becoming the Trocadero Cinema…. Read more »