Bridge Street, Stafford

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Date:1918 - 1921 (c.)

Description:This postcard view shows an open top bus travelling along Bridge Street, Stafford, on its way to Stafford Common.

On the left is the Picture House cinema which opened as a cinema on 23 February 1914. Between the front doors and the windows on the left (just above the boy) there is a sign with a hand pointing to the 3d seats at the side entrance. The Picture House closed in 1995 and was converted into a J.D. Wetherspoon's public house and restaurant which opened on 6 March 1997. The building remains (January 2022) and contains many of the original and ornate cinema features.

On the right is the clock tower of the Royal Brine Baths. In the 1880s a thick bed of salt was discovered on Stafford Common, during the search for a water supply for the town. This led to the opening of the Brine Baths in Greengate Street in 1892, designed by George Wormald. Its royal title was granted after a visit by the Duchess of Teck in 1895. A swimming pool, Turkish baths and a several therapeutic pools were provided. Entrance cost 6d. The open-sided tower was used by the fire brigade to dry their hoses and store their ladders. The baths were demolished in 1977 when the building was found to be unsafe. Civic offices now stand on this site.

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Image courtesy of: The Arthur Lloyd Collection

Donor ref:A_Lloyd-549aa (232/45223)

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