Building record MLI125851 - The Gliderdrome Bingo & Dance Hall, Boston
Summary
Dance hall and bingo room dating from 1960, with larger additions of 1963-9. Replaced an earlier, originally open-air roller-skating rink and dance hall of 1939.
Type and Period (5)
- SKATING RINK (Second World War to Mid 20th Century - 1939 AD to 1959 AD)
- DANCE HALL (Second World War to Mid 20th Century - 1939 AD to 1959 AD)
- DANCE HALL (Mid 20th Century to 21st Century - 1960 AD to 2050 AD)
- BINGO HALL (Mid 20th Century to 21st Century - 1963 AD to 2050 AD)
- NIGHTCLUB (Late 20th Century to 21st Century - 1969 AD to 2050 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
The Gliderdrome in Boston was originally built as an open-air roller-skating rink in 1939, with dances swiftly introduced on Wednesday nights. Soon after opening, a roof was added so that dances could be held more regularly. The dances proved particularly popular with large numbers of British and American airmen who were stationed in the area at that time. The original building was destroyed by fire in May 1959 but was quickly rebuilt and opened again in January 1960 as a single-storey hall.
In 1963-4 a second, much larger hall was added, known as the Starlight Room. The former dancehall was subsequently used for bingo following the passing of the Betting and Gaming Act 1960. In the early 1960s the Gliderdrome was included as part of a well-known touring circuit for pop acts and live bands, and many important artists played there with spectators travelling from all over the country on bigger nights.
In 1969 a low-ceiling nightclub was added to the west, known as the Richmond Bar, which inhabited a neighbouring former-industrial building. When constructed the bar included gaming tables and cabaret.
Part of the Gliderdrome complex has been designated as a listed building, this being the Starlight Room and original entrance block of 1960. For the full description and the legal address of this listed building please refer to the appropriate entry in the National Heritage List for England. {1}
Sources/Archives (1)
- <1> SLI13386 Website: Historic England (formerly English Heritage). 2011->. The National Heritage List for England. http://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/. 1476037.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 33025 43986 (74m by 81m) Surveyed |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | BOSTON, BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Aug 11 2021 2:16PM
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