Bristol before the blitz

Castle Street 1926

Looking along Castle Street from near the junction with Tower Street, which is off to the right, (c.1926) While this street was quite narrow it did not preclude large retailers such as Woolworths - Co-op - British Home Stores - Mark's & Spencer and Boots all had premises in this thoroughfare. 

The Cinema Picture Hall/Castle Street Cinema, No. 65 Castle Street, 1911-1926

Known as the Castle Street cinema, the Cinema Picture Hall opened in 1911 but lasted only fifteen years. It is thought that the building was formerly a sewing machine depot. This small picture house, which somehow managed to fit in a band, was an awkward place to find, as the entrance was in an alleyway. 

One of the early managers was Alexander Grant. In the afternoon you could buy a cup of tea and biscuits there and do some shopping in Castle Street, one of Bristol's prime shopping areas. The picture house closed in 1926, when Woolworths extended their premises.