History

The history of the Winter Gardens (originally the Oriental Ballroom and The Victoria Pavilion) is a story of frequent, sometimes extensive adaptation of the building to meet changing demands and tastes.

The History that follows was written for The Friends and Trust by Anthony Lee, a conservation expert with Oxford Archaeology, as part of the 2006 Options Assessment of the viability of re-opening The Winter Gardens. Anthony will be known to several Morecambe people through interviews he has conducted gathering personal archive memories of Morecambe’s past. His first contribution to our own archive may be viewed in Memories.

To read this history of enterprising adaptation is to feel optimistic about our own restoration project. We are in fact continuing a tradition: refurbishment and adaptation to meet modern needs. Just as the 19th Century theatre adapted to 20th Century visitors, so, we believe, it will re-open once again in new 21st Century clothes.

The Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservations Trust Charity No:1113010 - Company No:5556536
Friends of The Winter Gardens Charity No:1064127

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History