Royal Picture Palace, 72 Bryn Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield,

Located in Bryn Street. Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan, the Royal Picture Palace opened on 2 May 1910 and was operated by New Era Animated Pictures (proprietors James & Walter Rylance). All seating was on a single level with seats for approximately 500 persons. Original plans show a separate children’s entrance at the rear of the building with the first four rows of the stalls allocated for children’ use. The plans also show a glazed canopy extending across the pavement, but this does not appear to have been built. 

“NEW PICTURE PALACE - On Saturday another additional place of amusement was opened to the public of Ashton, styled the Royal Picture Palace, which is situated in Bryn Street. The hall is equipped in an up-to-date style, fitted with tip-up seats to accommodate 500 persons, while the operating chamber is outside the main wall, complying with the new Cinematograph Act. There is no doubt that the entertainments will prove very popular, there have been large audiences every performance during the week.”  [The Wigan Observer, 7 May 1910]

It was taken over by the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) chain on 27th February 1936 and re-named the Palace Cinema.  It is assumed that the rebuilding of the front façade took place at this time. The Palace Cinema finally closed on 2nd April 1966 and remained empty for several years. In 1980-81 the front of the building was again taken down and replaced with shops and arcade forming the present entrance to Palace Arcade.

Reference    The Bioscope Thursday 24 February 1910 page 9
Reference    Kinematograph Weekly Thursday 3 March 1910 page 31
Reference    Wigan Examiner Thursday 28 April 1910 page 2
Reference    The Bioscope Thursday 12 May 1910 page 53
Reference    The Wigan Observer, 7 May 1910
Reference    Wigan Evening Post 31 July 1980 – Rebuild of frontage as Palace Arcade