THE FOXHALL
Fox Hall was built in the latter part of the 17th century by Edward Tyldesley 1635-1685. Some believe the year to be circa 1670. Edward’s son, Thomas Tyldesley 1657-1714, lived there during the period for which his diary survives. The location at Blackpool—then largely a deserted coastline—has inevitably led to speculation that it was chosen to allow the Tyldesleys to practise their religion and pursue their political interests away from the public gaze.
A nearby “black pool” draining dark water from Marton Moss gave the area its name. The peaty coloured pool, which gives name to the place, is at the south end of Blackpool, near the house called Fox Hall, once a sequestered residence of the gallant family of the Tyldesley but now a farm house. Baines states that the property gained its name from the fact that the Tyldesleys kept a fox chained near the door. This may well be true—certainly Thomas Tyldesley records the purchase of a fox cub in his diary. Fishwick briefly described the property in 1887.
This house is not so old as has been generally supposed. It was erected by Edward Tyldesley of Morley (the son of Sir Thomas Tyldesley, slain at Wigan, Lancashire, in 1651) in the time of Charles II. It was originally a small three-gabled building, with a small tower at one side of it. The walls were made of sea-shore cobble stones, and were of great thickness. Over the main entrance was engraved “Seris factura nepotibus,” a motto which Edward Tyldesley expected would be his own, as his name was down on the list of ” Knights of the Royal Oak,” which Charles II at one time proposed to create as a means of rewarding the faithful supporters of the Stuarts. Over the south gateway was inserted a stone on which was chiselled a pelican feeding her young, round which was inscribed “Tantum valet amor regiae et patriae.” Inside the hall was a priest’s hiding place, long known as the “king’s cupboard,” tradition saying that it was erected for King James (who, however, never came there) during the plots of 1690 and 1694. During the rebellion of 1715 Fox Hall was a private rendezvous for Popish recusants. After its sale by the Tyldesleys in the early 18th century Fox Hall was used as a farm house, a hotel and a pub. Until the late 1980s some parts of the property survived. However, permission was granted for clearance of the site and the erection of this hideous building, which was completed in 1991. All traces of the oldest habitation in Blackpool were thus lost.
In 1890, the Foxhall Hotel was acquired by the Seed family until February 1964 when it was sold to C&S Brewery (Catterall & Swarbrick), thus making it part of Bass Taverns’s portfolio of restaurants and pubs on the Fylde Coast. When the hotel was demolished in December 1990, the south bay facing the sea was found to have been part of a cobbled building running west to east.
REFLEX
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Blackpool, Reflex is more than just a nightclub; it’s the epicentre of the party scene in the North. If you’re seeking a lively and unforgettable night out, Reflex is the place to be. What sets Reflex apart is its unique blend of cheesy classic anthems and brightly coloured dancefloors. They’ve perfected the art of creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and exhilarating. The cheesy classics will transport you back in time, while the pulsating energy of the dancefloors will keep you moving all night long. Reflex is the go-to destination for anyone in search of a fun and energetic evening.
Beyond the music and atmosphere, Reflex offers stunning views of the beach, adding a touch of seaside magic to your night out. It’s a visual delight that complements the sensory experience of the club. For those who like to plan ahead and elevate their night, booking a VIP booth is a fantastic option. This ensures a prime spot for you and your friends to enjoy the evening, and by pairing it with an affordable drinks package, you can stay well-hydrated and refreshed throughout the night. Reflex Blackpool promises a night of music, dancing, and seaside charm that you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the North’s ultimate party hub.
MA KELLYS
Ma Kelly Group has bought The Foxhall and Reflex in Central Blackpool. The Foxhall and Reflex came onto the open market with an asking price of £775,000 in August 2023, going under offer in January 2024 when the vendor and purchaser entered into an “exclusivity period”. The property has been purchased by the Ma Kelly’s Group and it will join the now eighth strong chain of pubs and bars.
Frankie Kelly said: “We are really pleased to acquire this freehold property and we will soon be announcing our plans for it, but rest assured that we will be bringing something very special to the Central Pier area.”
Commenting on the deal, Tim Martin, Divisional Director of Fleurets North West said, “This is a substantial property on The Promenade and pleasingly, there was strong competition for it. Given the purchaser’s intended investment and new operation, this feels like good news for this part of Blackpool.”
Explaining his plans for the venue, Frankie told the Gazette “We’re doing a Ma Kelly’s on the promenade but the first floor is going to be called Legend’s Sports Bar so it will be full of TVs, memorabilia. The downstairs will be Ma Kelley’s with the Ma Kelley’s entertainment seven days a week. We just always wanted a Ma Kelley’s on the prom and we’ve finally got our hands on one.”
When asked for further details on how much the venue will cost to refurbish or when they plan to reopen, Frankie says he was not sure yet, although he hopes to open the venue in time for the Summer.
Back in March, an application was validated for the site of the former Reflex and Foxhall pub (located at 193-197 Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5DL) to “display 7 externally illuminated high level fascia signs, 2 non illuminated projecting signs and various high level colour changing vertical trunking lights to both Promenade and Foxhall Square elevations… following refurbishment of property”
Although the application form did not say what the signs would be showcasing, the applicant’s details were down as Frankie Kelly of 44-46 Queens Promenade, the address at which Ma Kellys Showboat & Uncle Tom’s Sports Bar sits. At the time Frankie told the Gazette he was putting the application in before completing on the purchase of the site, so that the refurbishment could have quick a quick turnaround.
There are more Ma Kellys venues on the Fylde coast, one of which is on the timeline called Ma Kellys Cabaret Showboat.
Images by © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
