The Theatre Royal and Hippodrome was built as a live theatre and opened in 1907. Sadly in 1909 a fire destroyed the building and a new theatre was built but this was situated across the street on a new site. The theatre featured an orchestral organ manufactured by Messrs Nicholson of Worcester. Barry Herald 1910 - New Theatre and HippodromeFire at the Theatre 1909 - Victorian Barry ExperienceSeptember 1908 In 1918 the famous actress Lillie Langtry appeared at the Theatre… Read more.
Barry Lido opened at The Knap on May 1st 1926 and was one of the largest lidos in the United Kingdom at that time. It was a cold water lido and measured around 360 foot long. The Lido 1920s. The Lido 1930s - Peoples Collection There were two banks of chalets either side of the pool in a semi circle shape and these were rented out by families who came to the lido during the summer months. During the 70s… Read more.
In 1905 Mr Evans' grandfather turned the ironmongers shop where he had been an apprentice into a department store on Holton Road. The department store sold lots of different items and was a very popular shop. It has been in several different locations on Holton Road Advert - 1910 However due to changing patterns of retail shopping it was decided that shortly after the 100th birthday of the store that it was not viable to keep open and sadly the… Read more.
The history of carnivals being held in Barry can be dated back to the 19th Century. The first carnival to take place in Barry was in 1889 to celebrate the opening of Barry Docks. Streets were decorated and the route to the docks was lined with decorative arches. A firework display was held at Brooks Farm which was just off Court Road and Gladstone Road. This cost £190 and was funded by Messrs Paines & Sons https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4594660 Newspaper clipping -… Read more.
Twin brothers Hugh and George Palmer opened the zoo in 1960. It started off small but rapidly expanded. At one point the zoo housed tigers, elephants, lions, emus, camels, bears, pumas and many more. Advert for Barry ZooAdvert for Barry Zoo - Old Barry In PicturesCaroline and Hugh & George Palmer 70sBears - 1980Caroline the Elephant - 70sElephant HouseLeopardLionLionsPumas Plan of the zoo - 70sSource: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=oldbarryinpictures&set=a.619936391404544 In 1977 George Palmer was arrested for attending a council meeting with one of… Read more.