Margate, Beach Entertainers On The Sands 1906

Photo ref: 54756

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During the Georgian and Regency eras most visitors came to Margate for their health and the sea bathing. By the mid-19th century visitors demanded more in the way of leisure activities and amusement. The centre for this was a site of many acres behind the houses on Marine Terrace facing the golden sands. In 150 years it has just had two names, the Hall by the Sea and Dreamland. The Hall by the Sea opened in 1865 taking over the booking hall of a railway terminus that was never used and was converted into a ballroom and concert hall. By 1872 it had added Zoological Gardens and became the base for Sangers' Circus and Menagerie. Over succeeding years many attractions were added but due to the short season it was never a commercial success. In 1919 John Henry Iles bought the Hall by the Sea with the aim of developing an American-style amusement park. Iles had visited New York's Coney Island and copied the name Dreamland from there. Dreamland developed into a popular amusement park between the wars with imaginative and thrilling rides. The Scenic Railway and the Great Arcade were enclosed by ornamental gardens and a miniature railway. A Skating Rink and Ballroom were added, and in 1936 the smaller cinema was rebuilt into a vast 2,000 seat complex with stage and Wurlitzer organ. Dreamland soon became the Londoner's equivalent of Blackpool's pleasure beach. A new concept was introduced in 1983 when new owners acquired Dreamland and 'white knuckle rides' were advertised with a single payment admission charge to the amusement park, in place of free admission and payment for individual rides.

An extract from Margate Town and City Memories.