Buildings of Interest

Description

The Hippodrome Theatre was designed by Owen & Ward, built for Mr J. Worswick and opened on 7th March 1904 . Refurbished and renovated in 1935. Heavily damaged by a fire in 1956, eventually demolished in 1959 and the land purchased by Lennons supermarket.

The Hippodrome was built in the most populous part of the town where thousands upon thousands passed to and fro day and night. The proprietor, Mr. Worswick was a devout Roman Catholic. He was so impressed by the work that was being done by Rev. Harrison of the Wigan Methodist Mission that he not only lent the theatre but promised to do all he could to meet the wishes of the missioner and the friends he had gathered around him. The Mission services were advertised in the theatre programme every night and the brewery company next door had a large poster on its walls.

Often during the singing there was competition as, on one occasion. a travelling circus behind the stage joined in the rousing chorus of the congregation as it sang: “For the lion of Judah shall break every chain".

Sunday Services were held in the Hippodrome until the move to Queens Hall Methodist Mission on Market Street. Link

Further information available below:-

Link to cinematreasures - View

Extensive range of images, courtesy of wiganworld - View

Link to Arthur Lloyd description - View

Part of the King Street "Lost Buildings" project - Link