Wikipedia - Benutzerbeiträge [de]

Rhyl

2011-09-18T09:48:35Z

2.26.250.49: /* Sport */

{{Refimprove|date=April 2008}}
{{Infobox UK place
|static_image_name= Rhyl Seafront - geograph.org.uk - 388762.jpg
|static_image_caption= Rhyl
|country= Wales
|welsh_name= Y Rhyl
|constituency_welsh_assembly=[[Vale of Clwyd (Assembly constituency)|Vale of Clwyd]]
|constituency_westminster= [[Vale of Clwyd (UK Parliament constituency)|Vale of Clwyd]]
|official_name= Rhyl
| population = 24,889
| population_ref = ''(2001)''
|community_wales= Rhyl
|unitary_wales= [[Denbighshire]]
|lieutenancy_wales= [[Clwyd]]
|post_town= RHYL
|postcode_district= LL18
|postcode_area= LL
|dial_code= 01745
|os_grid_reference= SJ015815
|latitude= 53.32123
|longitude= -3.48019
}}

'''Rhyl''' ({{lang-cy|Y Rhyl}}, {{IPA-cy|ə ˈr̥ɨl|pron}}) is a [[seaside resort|seaside resort town]] and [[community (Wales)|community]] situated on the north east coast of [[Wales]], in the county of [[Denbighshire]] (within the [[preserved counties of Wales|preserved county]] of [[Clwyd]], and the [[historic counties of Wales|historic county]] of [[Flintshire]]), at the mouth of the [[River Clwyd]] ([[Welsh language|Welsh:]] ''Afon Clwyd''). To the west is the suburb of [[Kinmel Bay]], with the resort of [[Towyn]] further west, [[Prestatyn]] to the east and [[Rhuddlan]] to the south. At the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 Census]], Rhyl had a population of 24,889.<ref name=2001Census>{{cite web|url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=801639&c=rhyl&d=16&e=15&g=414194&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1214815030828&enc=1&dsFamilyId=779|title=2001 Census: Rhyl|work=Office for National Statistics|accessdate=30 June 2008}}</ref> The conurbation of Abergele-Rhyl-Prestatyn has a population of over 60,000.

Rhyl has long been a popular tourist destination for people all over Wales and [[North West England]]. Rhyl is accessible by road, rail, air via [[Liverpool Airport]], and sea via [[Holyhead]].

Once an elegant [[Victorian era|Victorian]] resort, there was an influx of people from [[Liverpool]] and [[Manchester]] after [[World War II]] changing the face of the town. The area had declined dramatically by 1990, but has since improved due to a series of regeneration projects bringing in major investment. European funding, secured by the Welsh Assembly Government, has produced millions for the development of Rhyl's seafront.

==Etymology==
The origin of the name "Rhyl" is not fully known. However, the name appears in old documents variously as ''Hyll'' (1506), ''Hull'' (1508), [Leidiart] ''yr Hyll'' (1597), ''Rhil'' (1706), ''Rhûl'' (1749), ''Rhul'' (1773) ''Rhyll'' (1830), and ''Rhyl'' (1840),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-gymraeg.co.uk/enwaulleoedd/amr/cronfa_en.aspx|title=Rhyl|work=Place Name Research Centre|accessdate=19 September 2007}}</ref> all of which are variations (and some anglicizations) of an uncertain original form. Other suggestions have been made that it might derive from the similar sounding ''Yr Hill'' (as in "The Hill") or ''Yr Heol'' "(The Street)". Another theory is that the name Rhyl originates from the Welsh 'Ty yn yr haul' meaning 'House in the sun' written 'Ty'n yr haul'
note that the oldest known dwelling is actually called 'Ty'n rhyl' and that the town marketed itself as a resort as 'Sunny Rhyl'.

==Buildings and landmarks==
[[Image:Rhyl_East_Parade_clock_tower.jpg|thumb|Rhyl clock tower and East Parade]]

A Rhyl landmark was the Pavilion Theatre, an ornate building with five domes, which was demolished in 1973 and the adjacent pier which was finally removed in 1972. Rhyl's top attractions on the West Parade are now the {{convert|250|ft|m|sing=on}} high Sky Tower, which opened in 1989, and Rhyl Children's Village theme park.

On the East Parade is the SeaQuarium and the Rhyl Suncentre, an indoor leisure swimming pool featuring an indoor monorail, as well as Europe's first indoor surfing pool. Next door stands the New Pavilion Theatre, which opened in 1991. A run of traditional beach shops runs alongside the sea front. The [[Carneddau|Carneddau Mountains]] can be seen from the beach.

Barratt's of Tyn Rhyl is the oldest house in Rhyl. It is run as a hotel and restaurant.

The derelict Welsh Baptist Tabernacular chapel built in 1867 has been bought by the Muslim community and been renamed the Islamic Cultural Centre.

===Marine Lake===
[[Image:Ocean beach fun fair site rhyl dec 2007.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Former [[Ocean Beach, Rhyl|Ocean Beach Funfair]] site (December 2007)]]

The Marine Lake, an artificial excavation in the west of the town, used to be a tourist destination, with fairground rides and a zoo. [http://www.rhylminiaturerailway.co.uk/ Rhyl Miniature Railway] is the only original attraction remaining on the site, a [[narrow gauge]] railway that travels around the lake and is now based at the new museum and railway centre. There is also a playground and numerous watersports clubs based around the lake.

The Marine Lake Funfair was eventually replaced by the [[Ocean Beach, Rhyl|Ocean Beach Funfair]] and demolished in the late 1960s. Ocean Beach finally closed on 2 September 2007 to make way for Ocean Plaza, a development which includes flats, a hotel and retail outlets, including a supermarket.<ref name=BBCfair>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/6968961.stm|title=End of an era for Rhyl's funfair|work=BBC News|date=2 September 2007|accessdate=18 September 2007}}</ref>

When [[Ocean Beach, Rhyl|Ocean Beach Funfair]] closed, the Jetstream Rollercoaster was dismantled as a buyer could not be found. There was a plan to remove the Water Chute log flume ride to [[Margate]] by the [http://www.savedreamland.co.uk/news.htm Save Dreamland campaign] but the funding was withdrawn and the main structure of the water chute was dismantled, although the Dreamland Campaign managed to salvage the boats and key mechanical parts from the ride. The remaining buildings at Ocean Beach were demolished.

In 2008, some rides from the former Ocean Beach site arrived at Ffrith Beach in nearby [[Prestatyn]]. These include the spiral Slide, the Pepsi Loop coaster, the Nessi, Dodgems and Waltzers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conceptnews.org/ffrith/|title=Ffrith Beach|work=conceptnews.org|accessdate=14 April 2008}}</ref>

===Regeneration project===
In an effort to regenerate and boost declining tourism, a number of projects are underway or being proposed. As well as the £85 million Ocean Plaza complex on the site of the former [[Ocean Beach, Rhyl|Ocean Beach Funfair]],<ref name=BBCfair /> projects include the Drift Park development on the promenade and the reopening of the town's miniature railway around the Marine Lake.

The West End of Rhyl is undergoing much reconstruction. One of the major investments is at Rhyl College, a satellite site of [[Coleg Llandrillo Cymru|Llandrillo College]], with the investment being worth approximately £4 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llandrillo.ac.uk/rhyl/rhylrevamp.htm|title=£4m for Rhyl Creates New Opportunities and Jobs|work=Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl|accessdate=16 January 2008 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080107021718/http://www.llandrillo.ac.uk/rhyl/rhylrevamp.htm |archivedate = 7 January 2008}}</ref> 2010 part of Rhyl College the new Sixth form centre.

[[Ann Jones (Welsh politician)|Ann Jones]], who has lived in Rhyl all her life, has been the Assembly Member for the Vale of Clwyd since 1999. [[Chris Ruane]] has been the MP for Rhyl since 1997.

They have partnered with Sony to redesign Rhyl cinema, it will be in 3D and in 4K resolution, it will be ready for July 2011.

===Education===

The first Welsh medium secondary school was opened in Rhyl in 1956 on Rhuddlan Road and was called [[Ysgol Glan Clwyd]]. The school then moved to [[St. Asaph]] in 1969. The building now houses Rhyl's Welsh medium primary school Ysgol Dewi Sant, which in 2009 celebrated 60 years.

==Sport==
[[Rhyl F.C.|Rhyl Football Club]] are a successful [[Association football|football]] team in the [[Welsh football pyramid]]. In the 2003–04 season they won the [[League of Wales|Welsh Premiership Championship]], the [[Welsh Cup]] and the Welsh League Cup, and were losing finalists in the [[UEFA Champions League|FAW]] Premier Cup. In the 2008–09 season they again won the Welsh Premier League.

==Transport==
[[Rhyl railway station]] is situated on the [[North Wales Coast Line]] and is served by through trains provided by [[Virgin Trains]] between [[Holyhead]] and [[London Euston]], and [[Arriva Trains Wales]] services to [[Cardiff|Cardiff Central]] via [[Newport]] and [[Crewe]], and to [[Manchester Piccadilly]].

The [[A548 road]] runs through the town, connecting it to the [[A55 road|A55]] Holyhead to [[Chester]] road at [[Abergele]].

==Notable people==
:''See [[:Category:People from Rhyl]]''

*[[Arthur Cheetham]] - The first film-maker based in Wales, worked in Rhyl.
*[[Ruth Ellis]] – The last woman to be hanged in Britain in 1955.
*[[Ched Evans]] – Professional footballer
*[[Lee Evans (comedian)|Lee Evans]] – Comedian.
*[[Albert Gubay]] – Founder of [[Kwik Save]].
*[[Robert Jones (surgeon)|Sir Robert Jones, Bt, KBE, CB]] (1857–1933), orthopaedic surgeon.
*[[Ted Hankey]] – Darts player.
*[[Adrian Henri]] – Poet and painter.
*[[Nerys Hughes]] – Television actress.
*Lawrence Delaney – Children's Book Author and creator of [[The Detective Sniffer Series]].
* Sir [[John T. Houghton]], leading scientist and former co-chair of the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]]
*[[Peter Moore (serial killer)|Peter Moore]] – [[Serial killer]].
*[[Mike Peters (musician)|Mike Peters]] – Member of [[The Alarm]].
*Carly Romain – Member of [[The Sheilas]].
*[[Lisa Scott-Lee]] – Member of pop group [[Steps (group)|Steps]].
*[[Steve Strange]] – Pop singer.
*[[Sara Sugarman]] – Hollywood director.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast/sites/rhyl_town/ BBC Rhyl page]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/welshwonders.htm Phil Gould's memories of the North Wales Amusement Parks in the '70s] (From themagiceye)
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/morewelshwonders.htm Phil Gould's memories of the North Wales and South Wales Amusement Parks in the '80s] (From themagiceye )

{{Denbighshire}}

[[Category:Seaside resorts in Wales]]
[[Category:Towns in Denbighshire]]

[[bg:Рил]]
[[cy:Y Rhyl]]
[[it:Rhyl]]
[[lt:Rilis]]
[[nl:Rhyl]]
[[no:Rhyl]]
[[pl:Rhyl]]
[[fi:Rhyl]]
[[sv:Rhyl]]
[[uk:Ріл]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:38:25Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Bill Paterson (actor)|Bill Paterson]], as [[James Manby Gully|Dr. Gully]]
* [[Jim Carter (actor)|Jim Carter]], as Parslow

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:37:31Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Bill Paterson (actor)|Bill Paterson]], as [[James Manby Gully|Dr. Gully]]
* [[Jim Carter (actor)|Jim Carter]], as [[Parslow]]

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:30:24Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:29:29Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Bill Paterson]], as [[James Manby Gully|Dr. Gully]]
* [[Jim Carter (actor)|Jim Carter]], as Parslow

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:28:02Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Bill Paterson]], as [[James Manby Gully|Dr. Gully]]
* [[Jim Carter]], as Parslow

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:24:17Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Bill Paterson]], as [[James Manby Gully|Dr. Gully]]

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:22:30Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Bill Paterson]], Dr. Gully

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:17:20Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast */

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* Martha West as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

Creation (2009)

2011-07-17T18:15:46Z

2.26.250.49:

{{Infobox film
| name = Creation
| image = Creation poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jon Amiel]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Thomas]]
| writer = [[John Collee]]
| starring = [[Paul Bettany]] [[Jennifer Connelly]] [[Jeremy Northam]] [[Toby Jones]] [[Benedict Cumberbatch]]
| music = [[Christopher Young]]
| cinematography = Jess Hall
| editing = Melanie Oliver
| studio = [[Recorded Picture Company]] [[BBC Films]]
| distributor = [[Icon Productions|Icon Film Distribution]] (UK) [[Newmarket Films]] (USA)
| released = {{Film date|2009|9|25|df=y}}
| runtime = 108 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=23614&TitleParentId=6818&View=ProductDetails
|title=Creation |publisher=LionsGate |date= |accessdate=2010-07-27}}</ref>
| country = {{Film UK}}
| language = English
| budget = £10,000,000 ($15,900,000) (estimate)
| gross = $896,298
}}
'''''Creation''''' is a 2009 British [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[drama film]]. Produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]], the film was directed by [[Jon Amiel]], and stars [[Paul Bettany]] and [[Jennifer Connelly]] as [[Charles Darwin|Charles]] and [[Emma Darwin]]. [[John Collee]] wrote the script based on [[Randal Keynes]]'s biography of Darwin titled ''Annie's Box''.

The film is a partly biographical, partly fictionalised account of [[Charles Darwin]]'s relationship with his eldest daughter, Annie (Martha West), as he struggles to write ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

== Plot ==
[[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] [[naturalist]] [[Charles Darwin]] is a young father who lives a quiet life in an idyllic village. He is a brilliant and deeply emotional man, devoted to his wife and children. Darwin is especially fond of his eldest daughter [[Anne Darwin|Annie]], a precocious and inquisitive ten-year-old. He teaches her much about nature and science, including his [[theory of evolution]], and tells her stories of his travels. Her favourite story, despite the sad ending, is about the young [[orangutan]] Jenny, who is brought from [[Borneo]] to the [[London Zoo]], where she finally died of [[pneumonia]] in the arms of her keeper. Darwin is furious when he learns that the family [[clergyman]] has made Annie kneel on [[Halite|rock salt]] as punishment for contradicting him about the existence of [[dinosaur]]s, as their existence and extinction contradicts the Church's position that life is unchanging and perfect and that the [[Earth]] is very young.

Having returned from his [[Second voyage of HMS Beagle|expedition in the Galapagos Islands]] 15 years earlier, Darwin is still working on finishing a manuscript about his findings, which substantiates his theory of evolution. The delay is caused by anxiety about his relationship with his devoutly religious wife, Emma, who fundamentally opposes his ideas. Emma worries that she may go to [[heaven]] and he may not, separating them for [[eternity]].

After Annie becomes ill in 1851, Darwin takes her to the [[Worcestershire]] town of [[Great Malvern|Malvern]] for [[James Manby Gully]]'s [[Water cure (therapy)|water cure therapy]], against Emma's will, but Annie ultimately dies after her father, at her request, tells her Jenny's story once more. Darwin is devastated, and her death sharpens his conviction that natural laws have nothing to do with [[divine intervention]]. To his contemporaries, this is an idea so dangerous it seems to threaten the existence of God. In a box in Darwin’s study, we discover the notes and observations that will become ''[[On the Origin of Species]]''.

The film shows Annie in flashbacks and [[hallucination]]s, a vibrant apparition who goads her father to address his fears and finish his masterwork. For a long time Annie's death is a taboo subject between Darwin and Emma, for Darwin fears that Emma blames him for their daughter's death. As a result of the strained relations between Charles and Emma, they stop making love entirely. Anguished, Darwin begins to suffer from a mysterious, fatiguing illness.

Having read his 230-page [[synopsis]], Darwin's friends in the scientific community, [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]] and [[Thomas Henry Huxley]], also encourage him. Huxley admiringly tells Darwin that with his theory he has "killed God", which fills Darwin with dread. In his hallucinations, he also feels that Annie disapproves of his [[procrastination]].

Darwin receives a letter from [[Alfred Russel Wallace]] in 1855, which details the same findings as Darwin in 20 pages. He has mixed feelings about this; all his work may have been in vain, but on the other hand, as he will not have to write his book, the discord with Emma will heal. However, Darwin's friends will him to continue, as his book is much more comprehensive.

After receiving treatment at Malvern himself, Darwin makes a [[pilgrimage]] to the hotel where Annie died. The journey marks a change in him; he is finally able to share his grief with Emma, and the couple reconnect. Emma is both shocked by her husband’s views and in love all over again with his passion and intellect. Darwin decides that Emma must make the decision about publishing his work. After reading the manuscript, she quietly returns it addressed to [[John Murray (publisher)|John Murray publishers]] in [[London]]. Emma accepts that she is an "accomplice" now, but hopes that God will forgive them both.

Darwin walks down the lane, holding the package. When the [[postman]] arrives, Darwin falters, almost letting him go empty-handed. The postman rides away, unaware of the powerful idea about to be released onto the world. As Darwin walks home, the little figure of Annie walks alongside him.

== Cast ==
* [[Paul Bettany]], as [[Charles Darwin]]<ref name=darwin>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ic8fa818f78acd577415585360227ed83|author=Stuart Kemp|title=Bettany, Connelly to star in Darwin pic|publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=4 September 2008|accessdate=17 October 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* [[Jennifer Connelly]], as [[Emma Darwin]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Martha West (actress)|Martha West]] as [[Anne Darwin]]
* [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], as [[Joseph Dalton Hooker]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Jeremy Northam]], as Reverend [[John Brodie-Innes]]<ref name=darwin/>
* [[Toby Jones]], as [[Thomas Henry Huxley]]<ref name=darwin/>

== Production ==
''Creation'' is based on real-life letters and documents of the Darwin family.<ref name=official>{{cite news|url=http://creationthemovie.com|title=Official website}}</ref> It is an adaptation of ''Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, His Daughter and Human Evolution'', [[Randal Keynes]]' best-selling biography of Charles Darwin.<ref name=wiltshire/>
Keynes is Darwin's great-great grandson.

The film was produced by [[Jeremy Thomas]] at [[Recorded Picture Company]]. [[BBC Films]] co-developed with assistance from the [[UK Film Council]]'s development fund. It was completed in [[England]] in December 2008.<ref name=darwin/><ref name="guardian" /> Much of the filming took place in the [[Wiltshire]] town of [[Bradford on Avon]] (standing in for Malvern), and at Darwin's home, [[Down House]] in [[Kent]].<ref name=wiltshire>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml|title=Hollywood returns to Wiltshire|publisher=BBC|date=26 November 2008|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

== Releases ==
The film had its world premiere on 10 September 2009 at the [[2009 Toronto International Film Festival]] as the opening night Gala Presentation,<ref name=Evans2009>{{Citation
| title = Creation premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
| url = http://www.digitalhit.com/galleries/34/492
| year = 2009
| author = Evans, Ian
| journal = DigitalHit.com
| accessdate = 11 December 2009
}}</ref> the first non-Canadian film since 1996 to be so honoured.<ref name=toronto>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8151456.stm |title=Darwin biopic to launch Toronto |publisher=BBC|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=7 September 2009}}</ref>

According to producer [[Jeremy Thomas]], the [[United States]] was one of the last countries to find a distributor due to the prominence of the [[Creation–evolution controversy]]. Thomas said: "It is unbelievable to us that this is still a really hot potato in America. There's still a great belief that He [God] made the world in six days. It's quite difficult for we in the UK to imagine religion in America. We live in a country which is no longer so religious. But in the US, outside of [[New York City|New York]] and [[Los Angeles|LA]], religion rules." <ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/6173399/Charles-Darwin-film-too-controversial-for-religious-America.html |title=Charles Darwin film 'too controversial for religious America' |publisher=Telegraph |date= 11 September 2009|accessdate=12 September 2009 | location=London | first=Anita | last=Singh}}</ref> His comments in the mainstream press, and the publicity surrounding the [[Toronto]] premiere, provoked [[flame wars]] across religious, [[atheism|atheist]], scientific and film communities on the Internet.<ref>What Creation's deal mean for the future of British cinema http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/sep/25/creation-charles-darwin-british-film</ref> Several campaigns and petitions sprang up independently in attempts to lobby distributors to release the film in the US, including those on [[Facebook]].<ref>Bring 'Creation' to the U.S http://anyeverynot.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/bring-creation-to-the-us/</ref> Posts on related blogs such as film critic [[Roger Ebert]]'s, a noted admirer of Darwin, stretched into the hundreds.<ref>Darwin Walks Out On Genesis http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/09/tiff_4_darwin_walks_out_on_gen.html</ref>

On 24 September 2009, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that [[Newmarket Films]] acquired the rights to the film, which was then released on 22 January in the US.<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118009136.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 | title=Newmarket nabs rights to 'Creation' | publisher=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=25 September 2009 | accessdate=25 September 2009 | first=Dave | last=McNary}}</ref> [[Newmarket Films]] had previously successfully released [[Mel Gibson]]'s controversial film ''[[The Passion Of The Christ]]''.

'' Creation'' was released in the UK on 25 September 2009, in [[Greece]] on 15 October 2009, in [[Japan]] on 20 October 2009 ([[Tokyo International Film Festival]]), in [[New Zealand]] on 24 December 2009, in the [[Netherlands]] on 7 January 2010, in [[Belgium]] on 20 January 2010 and in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]] on 22 January 2010.

==Reception==
The film has received generally mixed reviews. Review aggregate [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports that 46% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 92 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.<ref name="Creation">{{cite web|url=http://au.rottentomatoes.com/m/1205717-creation/ |title=Creation |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes |accessdate=14 April 2010}}</ref> The critical consensus is: ''This Charles Darwin biopic is curiously dispassionate, but Creation contains some of director Jon Amiel's best work, and Paul Bettany's performance is not to be missed.''<ref name="Creation"/>

Film critic [[Philip French]], writing in ''[[The Guardian]]'', called the film "A complex, truthful work that does justice to Darwin's theories and their implications",<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/27/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Philip | last=French | date=27 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref> while his colleague, film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote "This gentle, heartfelt and well-acted film about Charles Darwin and his personal agony preceding the 1859 publication of ''On the Origin of Species'' does not shy away from the issues. But it personalises them, and places them in a new context."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/sep/24/creation-review | work=The Guardian | location=London | first=Peter | last=Bradshaw | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010 | title=Creation}}</ref>

In ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', film critic Tim Robey opined: "Bettany has a genius for distraction and reverie, guiding the film intelligently in and out of its soul-searching flashbacks. Only the closing shot of father and daughter walking hand in hand feels like a sentimental misstep – the one touch too much, in a sad, searching piece of work about the reluctant labour of a great idea.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6227270/Creation-review.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Creation, review Creation, with Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin, is more than just a stolid drama. | first=Tim | last=Robey | date=24 September 2009 | accessdate=30 April 2010}}</ref> In ''[[Screen International]]'', senior film critic Fionnuala Halligan wrote: "Bettany is undoubtedly the film’s main asset: physically and emotionally convincing as Darwin in a very tricky role. Amiel’s core challenge here is to make audiences believe their story: parents to 10 children, eminent [[Victorians]] with an unusual devotion to their brood; the author of a book which changed the world."<ref>http://www.screendaily.com/5005046.articl</ref>

Writing in ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', film critic Ray Bennett said "Amiel's greatest achievement is that "Creation" is a deeply human film with moments of genuine lightness and high spirits to go with all the deep thinking."<ref>http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/creation-film-review-1004010552.story</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{Official website|http://www.creationthemovie.com/}}
* {{Allmovie title|479021|Creation}}
* {{mojo title|creation|Creation}}
* {{IMDb title|0974014|Creation}}
* [http://www.metacritic.com/movie/creation/ ''Creation''] at [[Metacritic]]
* {{rotten-tomatoes|1205717-creation|Creation}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2008/11/26/darwin_film_bradford_on_avon_feature.shtml Video news report on filming] at [http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire BBC Wiltshire]
{{refend}}

{{Jon Amiel}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2010}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation}}
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s drama films]]
[[Category:Biographical films]]
[[Category:British drama films]]
[[Category:Charles Darwin]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jon Amiel]]

[[cs:Creation (film, 2009)]]
[[fa:آفرینش (فیلم)]]
[[fr:Création (film)]]
[[it:Creation (film)]]
[[ja:クリエーション (2009年の映画)]]
[[pt:Creation (filme)]]
[[ru:Происхождение (фильм)]]
[[fi:Creation (vuoden 2009 elokuva)]]

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

2011-07-10T09:57:01Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast (in credits order) */

{{Infobox Film
| name = King Solomon's Mines
| image = King-Solomon's-Mines 1937.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| writer = [[H. Rider Haggard]] (novel) Michael Hogan [[Roland Pertwee]] (dialogue) [[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] (uncredited) [[A. R. Rawlinson]] (uncredited) [[Ralph Spence]] (uncredited)
| starring = [[Cedric Hardwicke]] [[Paul Robeson]] [[Roland Young]] [[Anna Lee]]
| music = [[Mischa Spoliansky]]
| cinematography = Glen MacWilliams
| editing = Michael Gordon
| distributor = [[General Film Distributors]]
| released = 17 June 1937 (UK) 26 July 1937 (US)
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''King Solomon's Mines''''' is a [[1937 in film|1937]] film, the first [[film adaptation]] of the [[1885]] [[King Solomon's Mines|novel by the same name]] by [[Henry Rider Haggard]]. It starred [[Paul Robeson]], [[Cedric Hardwicke]], [[Anna Lee]], [[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] and [[Roland Young]]. The film was produced by the [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont British Picture Corporation]] and directed by [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]].

The 1937 film follows the original novel faithfully, except for some musical interludes deliberately added to give Paul Robeson a chance to sing. In contrast to later adaptations, it follows the book in playing [[Allan Quatermain]] as a professorial type uninterested in romance.

==Plot==
In 1882, [[Ireland|Irish]] dream chaser Patrick "Patsy" O'Brien ([[Arthur Sinclair]]) and his daughter Kathy ([[Anna Lee]]) have failed to strike it rich in the diamond mines of [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberley]], [[South Africa]]. They persuade a reluctant Allan Quatermain ([[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]]) to give them a lift to the coast in his wagon.

Along the way, they encounter another wagon carrying two men in bad shape. Umbopa ([[Paul Robeson]]) recovers, but Silvestra (Arthur Goullet) dies after boasting to Quatermain that he has found the way to the fabled mines of Solomon. Patsy finds the dead man's map. He sneaks off during the night, unwilling to risk his daughter's life. Kathy is unable to persuade Quatermain to follow him. Instead, they rendezvous with Quatermain's new clients, Sir Henry Curtis ([[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]]) and retired navy Commander Good ([[Roland Young]]), out for a bit of big game hunting.

Kathy steals Quatermain's wagon to go after her father. When they catch up with her, she refuses to go back with them, so they and Umbopa accompany her across the desert and over the mountains, as shown on the map. During the arduous trek, Curtis and Kathy fall in love. On the other side of the mountains, they are surrounded by unfriendly natives and taken to the [[kraal]] of their chief, Twala ([[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]]), to be questioned. Twala takes them to see the entrance of the mines, guarded by the feared [[witch doctor]] Gagool (an uncredited [[Sydney Fairbrother]]).

That night, Umbopa reveals that he is the son of the former chief, who was treacherously killed by the usurper Twala. He meets with dissidents, led by Infadoos (Ecce Homo Toto), who are fed up with Twala's cruel reign. Together, they plot an uprising for the next day, during the ceremony of the "smelling out of the evildoers". However, Umbopa needs Quatermain to come up with something that will counter (in the natives' minds) the magic of Gagool.

During the rite, Gagool chooses several natives, who are killed on the spot. Good notices in his diary that there will be a total [[solar eclipse]] that day. The quick-thinking Quatermain predicts it as Gagool approaches Umbopa. Umbopa reveals his true identity to the people during the height of the eclipse and the rebellion erupts. Both sides gather their forces; during the ensuing battle, Curtis kills Twala, ending the [[civil war]].

In the fighting, Kathy slips away to the mine to look for her father. She finds him inside, immobilized by a broken leg, but clutching a pouch full of diamonds. Quatermain, Curtis and Good follow her, but Gagool sets off a rockfall to seal them in. Umbopa pursues Gagool back into the mine, where the witch doctor is crushed by falling rocks. The new chief manages to free his friends and gives them an escort to help them cross the desert.

==Cast==
*[[Paul Robeson]] as Umbopa
*[[Cedric Hardwicke]] as Allan Quatermain
*[[Roland Young]] as Commander John Good
*[[Anna Lee]] as Kathy O'Brien
*[[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] as Sir Henry Curtis
*[[Arthur Sinclair]] as Patsy O'Brien
*[[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]] as Twala
*Arthur Goullet as Sylvestra Getto
*Ecce Homo Toto as Infadoos
*Makubalo Hlubi as Kapse
*Mjujwa as Scragga

==External links==
*{{imdb title|id=0029081|title=King Solomon's Mines}}
*{{Internet Archive film|id=king_solomans_mine|name=King Solomon's Mines}}

{{Robert Stevenson}}

{{CinemaoftheUK}}

[[Category:1937 films]]
[[Category:1930s adventure films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on H. Rider Haggard's works]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films set in South Africa]]
[[Category:Treasure hunt films]]
[[Category:British action films]]

[[fr:Les Mines du roi Salomon (film, 1937)]]
[[nl:King Solomon's Mines (1937)]]

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

2011-07-10T09:56:25Z

2.26.250.49: /* Cast (in credits order) */

{{Infobox Film
| name = King Solomon's Mines
| image = King-Solomon's-Mines 1937.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| writer = [[H. Rider Haggard]] (novel) Michael Hogan [[Roland Pertwee]] (dialogue) [[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] (uncredited) [[A. R. Rawlinson]] (uncredited) [[Ralph Spence]] (uncredited)
| starring = [[Cedric Hardwicke]] [[Paul Robeson]] [[Roland Young]] [[Anna Lee]]
| music = [[Mischa Spoliansky]]
| cinematography = Glen MacWilliams
| editing = Michael Gordon
| distributor = [[General Film Distributors]]
| released = 17 June 1937 (UK) 26 July 1937 (US)
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''King Solomon's Mines''''' is a [[1937 in film|1937]] film, the first [[film adaptation]] of the [[1885]] [[King Solomon's Mines|novel by the same name]] by [[Henry Rider Haggard]]. It starred [[Paul Robeson]], [[Cedric Hardwicke]], [[Anna Lee]], [[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] and [[Roland Young]]. The film was produced by the [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont British Picture Corporation]] and directed by [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]].

The 1937 film follows the original novel faithfully, except for some musical interludes deliberately added to give Paul Robeson a chance to sing. In contrast to later adaptations, it follows the book in playing [[Allan Quatermain]] as a professorial type uninterested in romance.

==Plot==
In 1882, [[Ireland|Irish]] dream chaser Patrick "Patsy" O'Brien ([[Arthur Sinclair]]) and his daughter Kathy ([[Anna Lee]]) have failed to strike it rich in the diamond mines of [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberley]], [[South Africa]]. They persuade a reluctant Allan Quatermain ([[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]]) to give them a lift to the coast in his wagon.

Along the way, they encounter another wagon carrying two men in bad shape. Umbopa ([[Paul Robeson]]) recovers, but Silvestra (Arthur Goullet) dies after boasting to Quatermain that he has found the way to the fabled mines of Solomon. Patsy finds the dead man's map. He sneaks off during the night, unwilling to risk his daughter's life. Kathy is unable to persuade Quatermain to follow him. Instead, they rendezvous with Quatermain's new clients, Sir Henry Curtis ([[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]]) and retired navy Commander Good ([[Roland Young]]), out for a bit of big game hunting.

Kathy steals Quatermain's wagon to go after her father. When they catch up with her, she refuses to go back with them, so they and Umbopa accompany her across the desert and over the mountains, as shown on the map. During the arduous trek, Curtis and Kathy fall in love. On the other side of the mountains, they are surrounded by unfriendly natives and taken to the [[kraal]] of their chief, Twala ([[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]]), to be questioned. Twala takes them to see the entrance of the mines, guarded by the feared [[witch doctor]] Gagool (an uncredited [[Sydney Fairbrother]]).

That night, Umbopa reveals that he is the son of the former chief, who was treacherously killed by the usurper Twala. He meets with dissidents, led by Infadoos (Ecce Homo Toto), who are fed up with Twala's cruel reign. Together, they plot an uprising for the next day, during the ceremony of the "smelling out of the evildoers". However, Umbopa needs Quatermain to come up with something that will counter (in the natives' minds) the magic of Gagool.

During the rite, Gagool chooses several natives, who are killed on the spot. Good notices in his diary that there will be a total [[solar eclipse]] that day. The quick-thinking Quatermain predicts it as Gagool approaches Umbopa. Umbopa reveals his true identity to the people during the height of the eclipse and the rebellion erupts. Both sides gather their forces; during the ensuing battle, Curtis kills Twala, ending the [[civil war]].

In the fighting, Kathy slips away to the mine to look for her father. She finds him inside, immobilized by a broken leg, but clutching a pouch full of diamonds. Quatermain, Curtis and Good follow her, but Gagool sets off a rockfall to seal them in. Umbopa pursues Gagool back into the mine, where the witch doctor is crushed by falling rocks. The new chief manages to free his friends and gives them an escort to help them cross the desert.

==Cast (in credits order)==
*[[Paul Robeson]] as Umbopa
*[[Cedric Hardwicke]] as Allan Quatermain
*[[Roland Young]] as Commander John Good
*[[Anna Lee]] as Kathy O'Brien
*[[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] as Sir Henry Curtis
*[[Arthur Sinclair]] as Patsy O'Brien
*[[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]] as Twala
*Arthur Goullet as Sylvestra Getto
*Ecce Homo Toto as Infadoos
*Makubalo Hlubi as Kapse
*Mjujwa as Scragga

==External links==
*{{imdb title|id=0029081|title=King Solomon's Mines}}
*{{Internet Archive film|id=king_solomans_mine|name=King Solomon's Mines}}

{{Robert Stevenson}}

{{CinemaoftheUK}}

[[Category:1937 films]]
[[Category:1930s adventure films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on H. Rider Haggard's works]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films set in South Africa]]
[[Category:Treasure hunt films]]
[[Category:British action films]]

[[fr:Les Mines du roi Salomon (film, 1937)]]
[[nl:King Solomon's Mines (1937)]]

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

2011-07-10T09:55:37Z

2.26.250.49: /* Plot */

{{Infobox Film
| name = King Solomon's Mines
| image = King-Solomon's-Mines 1937.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| writer = [[H. Rider Haggard]] (novel) Michael Hogan [[Roland Pertwee]] (dialogue) [[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] (uncredited) [[A. R. Rawlinson]] (uncredited) [[Ralph Spence]] (uncredited)
| starring = [[Cedric Hardwicke]] [[Paul Robeson]] [[Roland Young]] [[Anna Lee]]
| music = [[Mischa Spoliansky]]
| cinematography = Glen MacWilliams
| editing = Michael Gordon
| distributor = [[General Film Distributors]]
| released = 17 June 1937 (UK) 26 July 1937 (US)
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''King Solomon's Mines''''' is a [[1937 in film|1937]] film, the first [[film adaptation]] of the [[1885]] [[King Solomon's Mines|novel by the same name]] by [[Henry Rider Haggard]]. It starred [[Paul Robeson]], [[Cedric Hardwicke]], [[Anna Lee]], [[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] and [[Roland Young]]. The film was produced by the [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont British Picture Corporation]] and directed by [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]].

The 1937 film follows the original novel faithfully, except for some musical interludes deliberately added to give Paul Robeson a chance to sing. In contrast to later adaptations, it follows the book in playing [[Allan Quatermain]] as a professorial type uninterested in romance.

==Plot==
In 1882, [[Ireland|Irish]] dream chaser Patrick "Patsy" O'Brien ([[Arthur Sinclair]]) and his daughter Kathy ([[Anna Lee]]) have failed to strike it rich in the diamond mines of [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberley]], [[South Africa]]. They persuade a reluctant Allan Quatermain ([[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]]) to give them a lift to the coast in his wagon.

Along the way, they encounter another wagon carrying two men in bad shape. Umbopa ([[Paul Robeson]]) recovers, but Silvestra (Arthur Goullet) dies after boasting to Quatermain that he has found the way to the fabled mines of Solomon. Patsy finds the dead man's map. He sneaks off during the night, unwilling to risk his daughter's life. Kathy is unable to persuade Quatermain to follow him. Instead, they rendezvous with Quatermain's new clients, Sir Henry Curtis ([[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]]) and retired navy Commander Good ([[Roland Young]]), out for a bit of big game hunting.

Kathy steals Quatermain's wagon to go after her father. When they catch up with her, she refuses to go back with them, so they and Umbopa accompany her across the desert and over the mountains, as shown on the map. During the arduous trek, Curtis and Kathy fall in love. On the other side of the mountains, they are surrounded by unfriendly natives and taken to the [[kraal]] of their chief, Twala ([[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]]), to be questioned. Twala takes them to see the entrance of the mines, guarded by the feared [[witch doctor]] Gagool (an uncredited [[Sydney Fairbrother]]).

That night, Umbopa reveals that he is the son of the former chief, who was treacherously killed by the usurper Twala. He meets with dissidents, led by Infadoos (Ecce Homo Toto), who are fed up with Twala's cruel reign. Together, they plot an uprising for the next day, during the ceremony of the "smelling out of the evildoers". However, Umbopa needs Quatermain to come up with something that will counter (in the natives' minds) the magic of Gagool.

During the rite, Gagool chooses several natives, who are killed on the spot. Good notices in his diary that there will be a total [[solar eclipse]] that day. The quick-thinking Quatermain predicts it as Gagool approaches Umbopa. Umbopa reveals his true identity to the people during the height of the eclipse and the rebellion erupts. Both sides gather their forces; during the ensuing battle, Curtis kills Twala, ending the [[civil war]].

In the fighting, Kathy slips away to the mine to look for her father. She finds him inside, immobilized by a broken leg, but clutching a pouch full of diamonds. Quatermain, Curtis and Good follow her, but Gagool sets off a rockfall to seal them in. Umbopa pursues Gagool back into the mine, where the witch doctor is crushed by falling rocks. The new chief manages to free his friends and gives them an escort to help them cross the desert.

==Cast (in credits order)==
*[[Paul Robeson]] as Umbopa
*[[Cedric Hardwicke]] as Allan Quatermain
*[[Roland Young]] as Commander John Good
*[[Anna Lee]] as Kathy O'Brien
*[[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] as Sir Henry Curtis
*[[Arthur Sinclair]] as Patsy O'Brien
*[[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]] as Twala
*[[Arthur Goullet]] as Sylvestra Getto
*[[Ecce Homo Toto]] as Infadoos
*[[Makubalo Hlubi]] as Kapse
*[[Mjujwa]] as Scragga

==External links==
*{{imdb title|id=0029081|title=King Solomon's Mines}}
*{{Internet Archive film|id=king_solomans_mine|name=King Solomon's Mines}}

{{Robert Stevenson}}

{{CinemaoftheUK}}

[[Category:1937 films]]
[[Category:1930s adventure films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on H. Rider Haggard's works]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films set in South Africa]]
[[Category:Treasure hunt films]]
[[Category:British action films]]

[[fr:Les Mines du roi Salomon (film, 1937)]]
[[nl:King Solomon's Mines (1937)]]

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

2011-07-10T09:55:07Z

2.26.250.49: /* Plot */

{{Infobox Film
| name = King Solomon's Mines
| image = King-Solomon's-Mines 1937.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| writer = [[H. Rider Haggard]] (novel) Michael Hogan [[Roland Pertwee]] (dialogue) [[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] (uncredited) [[A. R. Rawlinson]] (uncredited) [[Ralph Spence]] (uncredited)
| starring = [[Cedric Hardwicke]] [[Paul Robeson]] [[Roland Young]] [[Anna Lee]]
| music = [[Mischa Spoliansky]]
| cinematography = Glen MacWilliams
| editing = Michael Gordon
| distributor = [[General Film Distributors]]
| released = 17 June 1937 (UK) 26 July 1937 (US)
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''King Solomon's Mines''''' is a [[1937 in film|1937]] film, the first [[film adaptation]] of the [[1885]] [[King Solomon's Mines|novel by the same name]] by [[Henry Rider Haggard]]. It starred [[Paul Robeson]], [[Cedric Hardwicke]], [[Anna Lee]], [[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] and [[Roland Young]]. The film was produced by the [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont British Picture Corporation]] and directed by [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]].

The 1937 film follows the original novel faithfully, except for some musical interludes deliberately added to give Paul Robeson a chance to sing. In contrast to later adaptations, it follows the book in playing [[Allan Quatermain]] as a professorial type uninterested in romance.

==Plot==
In 1882, [[Ireland|Irish]] dream chaser Patrick "Patsy" O'Brien ([[Arthur Sinclair]]) and his daughter Kathy ([[Anna Lee]]) have failed to strike it rich in the diamond mines of [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberley]], [[South Africa]]. They persuade a reluctant Allan Quatermain ([[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]]) to give them a lift to the coast in his wagon.

Along the way, they encounter another wagon carrying two men in bad shape. Umbopa ([[Paul Robeson]]) recovers, but Silvestra (Arthur Goullet) dies after boasting to Quatermain that he has found the way to the fabled mines of Solomon. Patsy finds the dead man's map. He sneaks off during the night, unwilling to risk his daughter's life. Kathy is unable to persuade Quatermain to follow him. Instead, they rendezvous with Quatermain's new clients, Sir Henry Curtis ([[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]]) and retired navy Commander Good ([[Roland Young]]), out for a bit of big game hunting.

Kathy steals Quatermain's wagon to go after her father. When they catch up with her, she refuses to go back with them, so they and Umbopa accompany her across the desert and over the mountains, as shown on the map. During the arduous trek, Curtis and Kathy fall in love. On the other side of the mountains, they are surrounded by unfriendly natives and taken to the [[kraal]] of their chief, Twala ([[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]]), to be questioned. Twala takes them to see the entrance of the mines, guarded by the feared [[witch doctor]] Gagool (an uncredited [[Sydney Fairbrother]]).

That night, Umbopa reveals that he is the son of the former chief, who was treacherously killed by the usurper Twala. He meets with dissidents, led by Infadoos ([[Ecce Homo Toto]]), who are fed up with Twala's cruel reign. Together, they plot an uprising for the next day, during the ceremony of the "smelling out of the evildoers". However, Umbopa needs Quatermain to come up with something that will counter (in the natives' minds) the magic of Gagool.

During the rite, Gagool chooses several natives, who are killed on the spot. Good notices in his diary that there will be a total [[solar eclipse]] that day. The quick-thinking Quatermain predicts it as Gagool approaches Umbopa. Umbopa reveals his true identity to the people during the height of the eclipse and the rebellion erupts. Both sides gather their forces; during the ensuing battle, Curtis kills Twala, ending the [[civil war]].

In the fighting, Kathy slips away to the mine to look for her father. She finds him inside, immobilized by a broken leg, but clutching a pouch full of diamonds. Quatermain, Curtis and Good follow her, but Gagool sets off a rockfall to seal them in. Umbopa pursues Gagool back into the mine, where the witch doctor is crushed by falling rocks. The new chief manages to free his friends and gives them an escort to help them cross the desert.

==Cast (in credits order)==
*[[Paul Robeson]] as Umbopa
*[[Cedric Hardwicke]] as Allan Quatermain
*[[Roland Young]] as Commander John Good
*[[Anna Lee]] as Kathy O'Brien
*[[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] as Sir Henry Curtis
*[[Arthur Sinclair]] as Patsy O'Brien
*[[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]] as Twala
*[[Arthur Goullet]] as Sylvestra Getto
*[[Ecce Homo Toto]] as Infadoos
*[[Makubalo Hlubi]] as Kapse
*[[Mjujwa]] as Scragga

==External links==
*{{imdb title|id=0029081|title=King Solomon's Mines}}
*{{Internet Archive film|id=king_solomans_mine|name=King Solomon's Mines}}

{{Robert Stevenson}}

{{CinemaoftheUK}}

[[Category:1937 films]]
[[Category:1930s adventure films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on H. Rider Haggard's works]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films set in South Africa]]
[[Category:Treasure hunt films]]
[[Category:British action films]]

[[fr:Les Mines du roi Salomon (film, 1937)]]
[[nl:King Solomon's Mines (1937)]]

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

2011-07-10T09:54:34Z

2.26.250.49:

{{Infobox Film
| name = King Solomon's Mines
| image = King-Solomon's-Mines 1937.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| writer = [[H. Rider Haggard]] (novel) Michael Hogan [[Roland Pertwee]] (dialogue) [[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] (uncredited) [[A. R. Rawlinson]] (uncredited) [[Ralph Spence]] (uncredited)
| starring = [[Cedric Hardwicke]] [[Paul Robeson]] [[Roland Young]] [[Anna Lee]]
| music = [[Mischa Spoliansky]]
| cinematography = Glen MacWilliams
| editing = Michael Gordon
| distributor = [[General Film Distributors]]
| released = 17 June 1937 (UK) 26 July 1937 (US)
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''King Solomon's Mines''''' is a [[1937 in film|1937]] film, the first [[film adaptation]] of the [[1885]] [[King Solomon's Mines|novel by the same name]] by [[Henry Rider Haggard]]. It starred [[Paul Robeson]], [[Cedric Hardwicke]], [[Anna Lee]], [[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] and [[Roland Young]]. The film was produced by the [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont British Picture Corporation]] and directed by [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]].

The 1937 film follows the original novel faithfully, except for some musical interludes deliberately added to give Paul Robeson a chance to sing. In contrast to later adaptations, it follows the book in playing [[Allan Quatermain]] as a professorial type uninterested in romance.

==Plot==
In 1882, [[Ireland|Irish]] dream chaser Patrick "Patsy" O'Brien ([[Arthur Sinclair]]) and his daughter Kathy ([[Anna Lee]]) have failed to strike it rich in the diamond mines of [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberley]], [[South Africa]]. They persuade a reluctant Allan Quatermain ([[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]]) to give them a lift to the coast in his wagon.

Along the way, they encounter another wagon carrying two men in bad shape. Umbopa ([[Paul Robeson]]) recovers, but Silvestra ([[Arthur Goullet]]) dies after boasting to Quatermain that he has found the way to the fabled mines of Solomon. Patsy finds the dead man's map. He sneaks off during the night, unwilling to risk his daughter's life. Kathy is unable to persuade Quatermain to follow him. Instead, they rendezvous with Quatermain's new clients, Sir Henry Curtis ([[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]]) and retired navy Commander Good ([[Roland Young]]), out for a bit of big game hunting.

Kathy steals Quatermain's wagon to go after her father. When they catch up with her, she refuses to go back with them, so they and Umbopa accompany her across the desert and over the mountains, as shown on the map. During the arduous trek, Curtis and Kathy fall in love. On the other side of the mountains, they are surrounded by unfriendly natives and taken to the [[kraal]] of their chief, Twala ([[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]]), to be questioned. Twala takes them to see the entrance of the mines, guarded by the feared [[witch doctor]] Gagool (an uncredited [[Sydney Fairbrother]]).

That night, Umbopa reveals that he is the son of the former chief, who was treacherously killed by the usurper Twala. He meets with dissidents, led by Infadoos ([[Ecce Homo Toto]]), who are fed up with Twala's cruel reign. Together, they plot an uprising for the next day, during the ceremony of the "smelling out of the evildoers". However, Umbopa needs Quatermain to come up with something that will counter (in the natives' minds) the magic of Gagool.

During the rite, Gagool chooses several natives, who are killed on the spot. Good notices in his diary that there will be a total [[solar eclipse]] that day. The quick-thinking Quatermain predicts it as Gagool approaches Umbopa. Umbopa reveals his true identity to the people during the height of the eclipse and the rebellion erupts. Both sides gather their forces; during the ensuing battle, Curtis kills Twala, ending the [[civil war]].

In the fighting, Kathy slips away to the mine to look for her father. She finds him inside, immobilized by a broken leg, but clutching a pouch full of diamonds. Quatermain, Curtis and Good follow her, but Gagool sets off a rockfall to seal them in. Umbopa pursues Gagool back into the mine, where the witch doctor is crushed by falling rocks. The new chief manages to free his friends and gives them an escort to help them cross the desert.

==Cast (in credits order)==
*[[Paul Robeson]] as Umbopa
*[[Cedric Hardwicke]] as Allan Quatermain
*[[Roland Young]] as Commander John Good
*[[Anna Lee]] as Kathy O'Brien
*[[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] as Sir Henry Curtis
*[[Arthur Sinclair]] as Patsy O'Brien
*[[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]] as Twala
*[[Arthur Goullet]] as Sylvestra Getto
*[[Ecce Homo Toto]] as Infadoos
*[[Makubalo Hlubi]] as Kapse
*[[Mjujwa]] as Scragga

==External links==
*{{imdb title|id=0029081|title=King Solomon's Mines}}
*{{Internet Archive film|id=king_solomans_mine|name=King Solomon's Mines}}

{{Robert Stevenson}}

{{CinemaoftheUK}}

[[Category:1937 films]]
[[Category:1930s adventure films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on H. Rider Haggard's works]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films set in South Africa]]
[[Category:Treasure hunt films]]
[[Category:British action films]]

[[fr:Les Mines du roi Salomon (film, 1937)]]
[[nl:King Solomon's Mines (1937)]]

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)

2011-07-10T09:53:39Z

2.26.250.49:

{{Infobox Film
| name = King Solomon's Mines
| image = King-Solomon's-Mines 1937.jpg
| caption = Film poster
| director = [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]]
| writer = [[H. Rider Haggard]] (novel) Michael Hogan [[Roland Pertwee]] (dialogue) [[Charles Bennett (screenwriter)|Charles Bennett]] (uncredited) [[A. R. Rawlinson]] (uncredited) [[Ralph Spence]] (uncredited)
| starring = [[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]] [[Paul Robeson]] [[Roland Young]] [[Anna Lee]]
| music = [[Mischa Spoliansky]]
| cinematography = Glen MacWilliams
| editing = Michael Gordon
| distributor = [[General Film Distributors]]
| released = 17 June 1937 (UK) 26 July 1937 (US)
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = [[United Kingdom]]
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''King Solomon's Mines''''' is a [[1937 in film|1937]] film, the first [[film adaptation]] of the [[1885]] [[King Solomon's Mines|novel by the same name]] by [[Henry Rider Haggard]]. It starred [[Paul Robeson]], [[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]], [[Anna Lee]], [[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] and [[Roland Young]]. The film was produced by the [[Gaumont Film Company|Gaumont British Picture Corporation]] and directed by [[Robert Stevenson (director)|Robert Stevenson]].

The 1937 film follows the original novel faithfully, except for some musical interludes deliberately added to give Paul Robeson a chance to sing. In contrast to later adaptations, it follows the book in playing [[Allan Quatermain]] as a professorial type uninterested in romance.

==Plot==
In 1882, [[Ireland|Irish]] dream chaser Patrick "Patsy" O'Brien ([[Arthur Sinclair]]) and his daughter Kathy ([[Anna Lee]]) have failed to strike it rich in the diamond mines of [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberley]], [[South Africa]]. They persuade a reluctant Allan Quatermain ([[Sir Cedric Hardwicke]]) to give them a lift to the coast in his wagon.

Along the way, they encounter another wagon carrying two men in bad shape. Umbopa ([[Paul Robeson]]) recovers, but Silvestra ([[Arthur Goullet]]) dies after boasting to Quatermain that he has found the way to the fabled mines of Solomon. Patsy finds the dead man's map. He sneaks off during the night, unwilling to risk his daughter's life. Kathy is unable to persuade Quatermain to follow him. Instead, they rendezvous with Quatermain's new clients, Sir Henry Curtis ([[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]]) and retired navy Commander Good ([[Roland Young]]), out for a bit of big game hunting.

Kathy steals Quatermain's wagon to go after her father. When they catch up with her, she refuses to go back with them, so they and Umbopa accompany her across the desert and over the mountains, as shown on the map. During the arduous trek, Curtis and Kathy fall in love. On the other side of the mountains, they are surrounded by unfriendly natives and taken to the [[kraal]] of their chief, Twala ([[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]]), to be questioned. Twala takes them to see the entrance of the mines, guarded by the feared [[witch doctor]] Gagool (an uncredited [[Sydney Fairbrother]]).

That night, Umbopa reveals that he is the son of the former chief, who was treacherously killed by the usurper Twala. He meets with dissidents, led by Infadoos ([[Ecce Homo Toto]]), who are fed up with Twala's cruel reign. Together, they plot an uprising for the next day, during the ceremony of the "smelling out of the evildoers". However, Umbopa needs Quatermain to come up with something that will counter (in the natives' minds) the magic of Gagool.

During the rite, Gagool chooses several natives, who are killed on the spot. Good notices in his diary that there will be a total [[solar eclipse]] that day. The quick-thinking Quatermain predicts it as Gagool approaches Umbopa. Umbopa reveals his true identity to the people during the height of the eclipse and the rebellion erupts. Both sides gather their forces; during the ensuing battle, Curtis kills Twala, ending the [[civil war]].

In the fighting, Kathy slips away to the mine to look for her father. She finds him inside, immobilized by a broken leg, but clutching a pouch full of diamonds. Quatermain, Curtis and Good follow her, but Gagool sets off a rockfall to seal them in. Umbopa pursues Gagool back into the mine, where the witch doctor is crushed by falling rocks. The new chief manages to free his friends and gives them an escort to help them cross the desert.

==Cast (in credits order)==
*[[Paul Robeson]] as Umbopa
*[[Cedric Hardwicke]] as Allan Quatermain
*[[Roland Young]] as Commander John Good
*[[Anna Lee]] as Kathy O'Brien
*[[John Loder (actor)|John Loder]] as Sir Henry Curtis
*[[Arthur Sinclair]] as Patsy O'Brien
*[[Robert Adams (actor)|Robert Adams]] as Twala
*[[Arthur Goullet]] as Sylvestra Getto
*[[Ecce Homo Toto]] as Infadoos
*[[Makubalo Hlubi]] as Kapse
*[[Mjujwa]] as Scragga

==External links==
*{{imdb title|id=0029081|title=King Solomon's Mines}}
*{{Internet Archive film|id=king_solomans_mine|name=King Solomon's Mines}}

{{Robert Stevenson}}

{{CinemaoftheUK}}

[[Category:1937 films]]
[[Category:1930s adventure films]]
[[Category:British films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on H. Rider Haggard's works]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Stevenson]]
[[Category:Films set in South Africa]]
[[Category:Treasure hunt films]]
[[Category:British action films]]

[[fr:Les Mines du roi Salomon (film, 1937)]]
[[nl:King Solomon's Mines (1937)]]

Young Vic

2011-07-08T13:01:02Z

2.26.250.49: /* Refurbishment 2004-2006 */

{{Infobox Theatre
| name = Young Vic
| image = Young Vic.jpg
| caption = Theatre entrance
| address = [[South Bank]], [[The Cut (London)|the Cut]]
| city = [[London Borough of Lambeth|Lambeth, London]]
| country = {{UK}}
| designation =
| latitude = 51.50323
| longitude = -0.10748
| architect = [[Haworth Tompkins]]
| owner =
| capacity = 420 Main house 160 ''Maria'' (studio) 80 ''Claire'' (studio)
| type = Non-commercial resident company
| opened = 1970
| yearsactive =
| rebuilt = 2006 [[Haworth Tompkins]]
| closed =
| othernames =
| production = [[Repertory]] seasons
| currentuse =
| website = www.youngvic.org
}}

The '''Young Vic''' is a theatre on [[The Cut (London)|the Cut]], located near the [[South Bank]], in the [[London Borough of Lambeth]]. It specialises in giving opportunities to young actors and directors. The theatre is publicly subsidised and has a high artistic reputation. Playwright [[David Lan]] has been the theatre's artistic director since 2000. Its philosophy is to "produce great plays for great audiences, now and in the future".

==History==
The Young Vic's name derives from the nearby [[Old Vic]], one of the most celebrated of London's theatres and the first home of the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]].

In the period after [[World War II]] a Young Vic Company was formed in 1946 by director [[George Devine]]<ref>''The Theatres of George Devine'' by Irving Wardle, Cape 1978 ISBN 0-224-01415-3</ref> as an offshoot of the Old Vic Theatre School for the purpose of performing classic plays for audiences aged nine to fifteen.

This was discontinued in 1948 when Devine and the entire faculty resigned from the Old Vic, but in 1969 [[Frank Dunlop (director)|Frank Dunlop]] became founder-director of The Young Vic theatre with his free adaptation of [[Molière]]'s ''The Cheats of Scapino'', presented at the new venue as a National Theatre production, opening on 11 September 1970 and starring [[Jim Dale]] in the title role with designs by [[Carl Toms]] (decor) and [[Maria Bjornson]] (costumes).<ref>Frank Dunlop's CV for ''Who's Who in the Theatre'' 17th edition, Gale (1981) ISBN 0-8103-0235-7</ref>

Initially part of the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], the Young Vic Theatre became an independent body in 1974.<ref>''The Oxford Companion to the Theatre'', OUP (1983) ISBN 0-19-211546-4</ref>

In the words of [[Laurence Olivier]], then director of the National Theatre: "Here we think to develop plays for young audiences, an experimental workshop for authors, actors and producers." The aim was to create an accessible theatre which offered high quality at low cost in an informal environment. The aim was to appeal to young audiences, but this time not specifically to children.

==Young Vic Theatre==
Frank Dunlop completed creation of the theatre venue in 1970, a breeze-block building in the Cut constructed out of a former butchers' shop and an adjacent bomb-site. It was intended to last for five years, but has become permanent.

The auditorium, with a [[thrust stage]], has a capacity of around 500 but this can vary depending on the configuration of the stage for each production.

In addition to the Young Vic's main house, there are now two smaller theatre spaces. The Maria, named after theatre designer Maria Bjornson, is the larger of the two with a capacity of 150. The Clare, named after the former artistic director of the [[Sheffield Crucible]], [http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,3604,1066593,00.html Clare Venables], seats 70. Like the main house, both smaller theatres have flexible seating configurations which can be arranged to suit the production design. In all of the Young Vic's theatres, seating is unreserved with the actors performing in close proximity to the audience.

The Young Vic primarily performs classic plays, but often in innovative productions. Many well-known actors have worked at the Young Vic including [[Ian Charleson]], who made his memorable professional debut with the Young Vic 1972-74, and who played Jimmy Porter in ''Look Back in Anger'' and Hamlet in the first revival of [[Tom Stoppard|Stoppard]]'s ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'' in 1973. Others include [[Vanessa Redgrave]], [[Helen Mirren]], [[Judi Dench]], [[Timothy Dalton]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[Willard White]], [[Clive Owen]] and [[Jude Law]].

Quintessential rock band [[the Who]] held free, weekly concerts at the Young Vic in early 1971 in order to rehearse what would become their masterpiece album, ''[[Who's Next]]''. One of these shows was released on the Deluxe edition of this album.

A memorial in the theatre's auditorium commemorates the 54 people killed in 1941 while sheltering in the cellars of the former building on the site, during [[the Blitz]].<ref>[http://www.citythemes.co.uk/pdffiles/The%20Blitz.pdf City Themes, list of WWII memorials in London] accessed 12 July 2007</ref>

In 1982 the theatre hosted a ''Poetry Olympics'', where comedian [[Pat Condell]] took part.<ref>{{cite news
| first =
| last =
| title = Poets' marathon at Young Vic 'Olympics'
| work = The Times
| date = November 30, 1982
| accessdate = 2009-03-24
| url = http://www.patcondell.net/page2/page10/page10.html
}}</ref>

==Awards==
2004 - Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre [[Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre]]

2008 - Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival [[Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre]]

==Refurbishment 2004-06==
[[Image:Young Vic studio room-Clare.jpg|thumb|The Clare]]
In 2003, the Young Vic launched a campaign to raise £12.5 million for a major reconstruction of its building and closed in 2004 for work to start.

Designed by architects [[Haworth Tompkins]] - also known for their refurbishment of the [[Royal Court Theatre]], Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre, and two temporary venues for the [[Almeida]] - and with Jane Wernick Associates as the structural engineers, and consulting engineers Max Fordham LLP designing the building services, the refurbishment was completed in October 2006.

The main auditorium has been left intact, but refurbished and technically enhanced. The butchers' shop has also been retained as the main entrance to the building and also the box office.

The remainder of the 1970s structure has been rebuilt to provide new [[foyer]]s, dressing rooms, two studio theatres, and workshop spaces. An award of £5 million was received from the [[Arts Council of England]].

The Young Vic re-opened on 11 October 2006, with a production of the community opera ''[[Tobias and the Angel (Jonathan Dove)|Tobias and the Angel]]''; with music by [[Jonathan Dove]] and a libretto by David Lan. The Stage review [http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/14472/tobias-and-the-angel].

On 16 May 2007, the refurbished Young Vic won the ''[[RIBA]] London Building of the Year Award''.<ref>[http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/About/RIBALondon_220.html RIBA London Building of the Year Award] accessed 27 July 2007</ref> Following this award, the Young Vic was also short-listed for the ''RIBA [[Stirling Prize]]'' on 27 July 2007.<ref>[http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/Awards_2006.html RIBA announcement online]. See also the [http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/Awards_6251.html RIBA profile] of the Young Vic accessed 27 July 2007</ref>

==Productions==
===January 2011 - February 2012===
* ''[[Vernon God Little]]'' Book by [[DBC Pierre]]. Adaptation Tanya Ronder. Direction [[Rufus Norris]]. With Luke Brady, Clare Burt, Daniel Cerqueira, Peter De Jersey, Joseph Drake, Johnnie Fiori, [[Lily James]], [[Penny Layden]], Nathan Osgood and [[Duncan Wisbey]].
* ''And the Rain Falls Down'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction Sam Butler. Direction & Design David Harradine.
* ''Terminus'' by [[Mark O'Rowe]]. Direction [[Mark O'Rowe]]. With Declan Conlon, [[Olwen Fouere]] and [[Catherine Walker]].
* ''[[The Return of Ulysses ]]'' by Monteverdi. An [[ENO]]/[[Young Vic Theatre]] co-production
* ''[[I Am the Wind]]'' by Jon Fosse. English language version by Simon Stephens. Direction [[Patrice Chereau]] and Thierry Theiu Niang. With [[Tom Brooke]] and [[Jack Laskey]].
* ''Government Inspector'' by [[Nikolai Gogol]] in a new version by [[David Harrower]]. Direction [[Richard Jones]]. With [[Julian Barratt]], [[Doon Mackichan]] and [[Kyle Soller]].
* ''[[In the Penal Colony]]'' by [[Franz Kafka]]. Adapted by Amir Nizar Zuabi. Presented by ShiberHur Theatre Company of Palestine.
* ''[[The Beauty Queen of Leenane]]'' by [[Martin McDonagh]]. Direction [[Joe Hill-Gibbins]]. With [[Rosaleen Linehan]] and Derbhle Crotty.
* ''[[Disco Pigs]]'' by [[Enda Walsh]]. Direction Cathal Cleary.
* ''[[Street Scene]]'' with The Opera Group. Music by [[Kurt Weill]]. Book by [[Elmer Rice]]. Lyrics by [[Langston Hughes]]. Music performed by the [[BBC Concert Orchestra]] and [[Southbank Sinfonia]].
* ''[[Hamlet]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]]. Direction [[Ian Rickson]]. The role of Hamlet performed by [[Michael Sheen]].
* ''[[Bingo (play)|Bingo]]'' by [[Edward Bond]]. Direction Angus Jackson. The role of Shakespeare performed by [[Patrick Stewart]].

===September 2010 - January 2011===
* ''[[The Human Comedy]]'' with The Opera Group. Music by [[Galt MacDermot]]. Book by [[William Dumaresq]]. From an original story by [[William Saroyan]]. Direction by [[John Fulljames]]. With [[Brenda Edwards]].
* ''On Ageing'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction and Design David Harradine and Sam Butler.
* ''[[Faust]]'' adapted from [[Goethe]] by [[Vesturport]]. Direction [[Gisli Orn Gardarsson]]. Music by [[Nick Cave]] & [[Warren Ellis]].
* ''The Glass Menagerie'' by [[Tennessee Williams]]. Direction [[Joe Hill-Gibbins]]. Music by [[Dario Marianelli]]. With [[Leo Bill]], [[Deborah Findlay]], [[Sinéad Matthews]] and [[Kyle Soller]].
* ''[[Belarus Free Theatre]]: Numbers / Discover Love''. Guest appearances from [[Adjoa Andoh]], [[Jude Law]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[Sienna Miller]] and [[Samuel West]].
* ''[[My Dad's a Birdman]]''. By David Almond. Music by [[Pet Shop Boys]]. Direction Oliver Mears.

===October 2009 - January 2010===
* ''[[Annie Get Your Gun]]''. Music & lyrics by [[Irving Berlin]]. Book by Herbert & [[Dorothy Fields]]. Direction Richard Jones. With [[Jane Horrocks]] and Julian Ovenden.<ref>[http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8831241516838 WhatsOnStage announcement for Annie Get Your Gun]</ref>

===May 2009 - August 2010===
* ''Sweet nothings'' based on Arthur Schnitzler's ''Liebelei'' from 1895, arranged by David Harrower, directed by [[Luc Bondy]]
* ''Where's Ali'' devised by Ned Glasier. Featuring [[Jamie Zubairi]].
* ''Pictures from an Exhibition'' based on the suite by [[Modest Mussorgsky]]. Direction Daniel Kramer. Choreography Frauke Requardt.
* ''Kursk'' by Sound&Fury, in collaboration with Bryony Lavery.
* ''[[Been So Long]]'' Book, lyrics and direction Che Walker. Music and lyrics [[Arthur Darvill]].
* ''Sus'' by Barrie Keefe. Direction Gbolahan Obisesan.
* ''Brilliant'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction David Harradine.
* ''The Container'' by Clare Bayley. Direction Tom Wright. Design Naomi Dawson.
* ''4.48 Psychosis'' by [[Sarah Kane]]. Direction Christian Benedetti. With Anamaria Marinca.
* ''The Girlfriend Experience'' by Alecky Blythe. Direction Joe Hill-Gibbins.

===January 2009 - April 2009===
* ''[[King Lear]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]]. Direction [[Rupert Gould]]. With [[Pete Postlethwaite]] as King Lear.
* ''The Indian Wants the Bronx'' by Israel Horovitz. Direction Daljinder Singh. Design Paul Wills.
* ''Kafka's Monkey'' Based on A Report to an Academy by [[Franz Kafka]]. Adaptation Colin Teevan. Direction Walter Meierjohann. With Kathryn Hunter.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2009/mar/20/kafka-monkey-theatre-review Kafka's Monkey, Guardian online review]</ref>
* ''Bay'' devised by the company with writer Joel Horwood. Direction Sarah Tipple.
* ''After Dido'' Purcell's Dido and Aeneas in a new film and theatre piece. Direction Katie Mitchell.
* ''You Can See the Hills'' written and directed by Matthew Dunster. With William Ash.

===July 2008 - January 2009===
* ''Street Scene''. Music by [[Kurt Weill]]. Book by Edgar Rice. Lyrics by [[Langston Hughes]].
* ''Fragments'' by [[Samuel Beckett]]. Direction [[Peter Brook]].
* ''In the Red and Brown Water'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Walter Meierjohann. Design Miriam Buether.
* ''The Brothers Size'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Bijan Sheibani. Design Patrick Burnier.
* ''You Can See the Hills'' by Matthew Dunster. Direction Matthew Dunster. Designer Anna Fleischle.
* ''Amazônia'' by [[Colin Teevan]] and Paul Heritage. Direction Paul Heritage. Designer Gringo Cardia.
* ''Ghosts'' by Henrik Ibsen, adaptation Frank McGuiness. Direction William Oldroyd.

===January 2008 - June 2008===
* ''[[A Prayer for My Daughter (play)]]'' by [[Thomas Babe]]. Direction Dominic Hill. Design Giles Cadle. Lighting Bruno Poet.
* ''[[The Good Soul of Szechuan]]'' by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[David Harrower]]. Direction [[Richard Jones]]. Set Miriam Buether. Costume Nicky Gillibrand.

===June 2007 - January 2008===
* ''[[Ma vie en rose]]'' based on the film by [[Alain Berliner]]. Direction Pete Harris. Music Gary Yershon. Choreography Ayse Tashkiran.
* ''[[The Member of the Wedding]]'' by [[Carson McCullers]]. Direction Matthew Dunster. Design Robert Innes Hopkins.
* ''Fragments'' by [[Samuel Beckett]]. Direction [[Peter Brook]].
* ''The Investigation by [[Peter Weiss]], adapted by [[Jean Baudrillard]]. Direction Dorcy Rugamba and Isabelle Gyselinx. Design Fabienne Damiean.
* ''The Brothers Size'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Bijan Sheibani. Design Patrick Burnier.
* ''A Christmas Carol'' by Charles Dickens adapted and directed by [[Mark Dornford-May]]
* ''The Magic Flute'' by Mozart adapted and directed by [[Mark Dornford-May]]

===October 2006 - June 2007===
* ''[[Tobias and the Angel]]'' – Music by [[Jonathan Dove]]. Words by [[David Lan]]. Direction John Fulljames. Conductor David Charles Abell. Design Alexander Lowde.
* ''[[Love and Money (play)|Love and Money]]'' – by [[Dennis Kelly]]. Direction Matthew Dunster. Design Anna Fleischle.
* ''[[The Enchanted Pig]]'' – Music by [[Jonathan Dove]]. Words by Alasdair Middleton. Direction John Fulljames. Design Dick Bird.
* ''[[The Soldiers Fortune]]'' – by [[Thomas Otway]]. Direction [[David Lan]]. Set Lizzie Clachan. Costumes Joan Wadge.
* ''[[generations (play)|generations]]'' – by debbie tucker green. Direction Sacha Wares. Design Miriam Buether.
* ''[[A Respectable Wedding]] – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Rory Bremner]]. Direction Joe Hill-Gibbins. Design Ultz.
* ''[[The Jewish Wife]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Martin Crimp]]. Direction [[Katie Mitchell]]. Design Hildegard Bechtler.
* ''[[Senora Carrar's Rifles]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation Biyi Bandele. Direction Paul Hunter. Design Robert Innes Hopkins.
* ''[[How Much Is Your Iron?]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Enda Walsh]]. Direction Orla O'Loughlin. Design Dick Bird.
* ''[[Vernon God Little]]'' – by [[DBC Pierre]]. Adaptation Tanya Ronder. Direction Rufus Norris. Design Ian MacNeil. Costumes Nicky Gillibrand.

== Digital Theatre ==
The Young Vic was one of the launch theatres for [[Digital Theatre]], a project which makes theatre productions available in video download form. The first performances that were filmed were 'Kafka's Monkey' and 'The Container'.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Leading theatres launch downloadable shows
| work =
| publisher = Official London Theatre Guide
| date =
| url = http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest/view/item107946/&t=Leading%20theatres%20launch%20downloadable%20shows/
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2010-02-15 }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commonscat}}
* [http://www.youngvic.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/theyoungvic Myspace profile]
* [http://www.haworthtompkins.com/ Haworth Tompkins Architects]
* [http://www.wernick.eu.com/ Jane Wernick Associates]

{{OlivierAward AffiliateTheatre}}
{{OlivierAward MusicalRevival}}
{{Theatres in London}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Young Vic}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1970]]
[[Category:Theatres in Lambeth]]
[[Category:Producing house theatres in London]]

[[id:Young Vic]]
[[no:Young Vic]]
[[pt:Young Vic]]
[[ru:Янг-Вик]]
[[sk:Young Vic]]

Young Vic

2011-07-08T13:00:36Z

2.26.250.49: /* Refurbishment 2004-2006 */

{{Infobox Theatre
| name = Young Vic
| image = Young Vic.jpg
| caption = Theatre entrance
| address = [[South Bank]], [[The Cut (London)|the Cut]]
| city = [[London Borough of Lambeth|Lambeth, London]]
| country = {{UK}}
| designation =
| latitude = 51.50323
| longitude = -0.10748
| architect = [[Haworth Tompkins]]
| owner =
| capacity = 420 Main house 160 ''Maria'' (studio) 80 ''Claire'' (studio)
| type = Non-commercial resident company
| opened = 1970
| yearsactive =
| rebuilt = 2006 [[Haworth Tompkins]]
| closed =
| othernames =
| production = [[Repertory]] seasons
| currentuse =
| website = www.youngvic.org
}}

The '''Young Vic''' is a theatre on [[The Cut (London)|the Cut]], located near the [[South Bank]], in the [[London Borough of Lambeth]]. It specialises in giving opportunities to young actors and directors. The theatre is publicly subsidised and has a high artistic reputation. Playwright [[David Lan]] has been the theatre's artistic director since 2000. Its philosophy is to "produce great plays for great audiences, now and in the future".

==History==
The Young Vic's name derives from the nearby [[Old Vic]], one of the most celebrated of London's theatres and the first home of the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]].

In the period after [[World War II]] a Young Vic Company was formed in 1946 by director [[George Devine]]<ref>''The Theatres of George Devine'' by Irving Wardle, Cape 1978 ISBN 0-224-01415-3</ref> as an offshoot of the Old Vic Theatre School for the purpose of performing classic plays for audiences aged nine to fifteen.

This was discontinued in 1948 when Devine and the entire faculty resigned from the Old Vic, but in 1969 [[Frank Dunlop (director)|Frank Dunlop]] became founder-director of The Young Vic theatre with his free adaptation of [[Molière]]'s ''The Cheats of Scapino'', presented at the new venue as a National Theatre production, opening on 11 September 1970 and starring [[Jim Dale]] in the title role with designs by [[Carl Toms]] (decor) and [[Maria Bjornson]] (costumes).<ref>Frank Dunlop's CV for ''Who's Who in the Theatre'' 17th edition, Gale (1981) ISBN 0-8103-0235-7</ref>

Initially part of the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], the Young Vic Theatre became an independent body in 1974.<ref>''The Oxford Companion to the Theatre'', OUP (1983) ISBN 0-19-211546-4</ref>

In the words of [[Laurence Olivier]], then director of the National Theatre: "Here we think to develop plays for young audiences, an experimental workshop for authors, actors and producers." The aim was to create an accessible theatre which offered high quality at low cost in an informal environment. The aim was to appeal to young audiences, but this time not specifically to children.

==Young Vic Theatre==
Frank Dunlop completed creation of the theatre venue in 1970, a breeze-block building in the Cut constructed out of a former butchers' shop and an adjacent bomb-site. It was intended to last for five years, but has become permanent.

The auditorium, with a [[thrust stage]], has a capacity of around 500 but this can vary depending on the configuration of the stage for each production.

In addition to the Young Vic's main house, there are now two smaller theatre spaces. The Maria, named after theatre designer Maria Bjornson, is the larger of the two with a capacity of 150. The Clare, named after the former artistic director of the [[Sheffield Crucible]], [http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,3604,1066593,00.html Clare Venables], seats 70. Like the main house, both smaller theatres have flexible seating configurations which can be arranged to suit the production design. In all of the Young Vic's theatres, seating is unreserved with the actors performing in close proximity to the audience.

The Young Vic primarily performs classic plays, but often in innovative productions. Many well-known actors have worked at the Young Vic including [[Ian Charleson]], who made his memorable professional debut with the Young Vic 1972-74, and who played Jimmy Porter in ''Look Back in Anger'' and Hamlet in the first revival of [[Tom Stoppard|Stoppard]]'s ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'' in 1973. Others include [[Vanessa Redgrave]], [[Helen Mirren]], [[Judi Dench]], [[Timothy Dalton]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[Willard White]], [[Clive Owen]] and [[Jude Law]].

Quintessential rock band [[the Who]] held free, weekly concerts at the Young Vic in early 1971 in order to rehearse what would become their masterpiece album, ''[[Who's Next]]''. One of these shows was released on the Deluxe edition of this album.

A memorial in the theatre's auditorium commemorates the 54 people killed in 1941 while sheltering in the cellars of the former building on the site, during [[the Blitz]].<ref>[http://www.citythemes.co.uk/pdffiles/The%20Blitz.pdf City Themes, list of WWII memorials in London] accessed 12 July 2007</ref>

In 1982 the theatre hosted a ''Poetry Olympics'', where comedian [[Pat Condell]] took part.<ref>{{cite news
| first =
| last =
| title = Poets' marathon at Young Vic 'Olympics'
| work = The Times
| date = November 30, 1982
| accessdate = 2009-03-24
| url = http://www.patcondell.net/page2/page10/page10.html
}}</ref>

==Awards==
2004 - Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre [[Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre]]

2008 - Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival [[Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre]]

==Refurbishment 2004-2006==
[[Image:Young Vic studio room-Clare.jpg|thumb|The Clare]]
In 2003, the Young Vic launched a campaign to raise £12.5 million for a major reconstruction of its building and closed in 2004 for work to start.

Designed by architects [[Haworth Tompkins]] - also known for their refurbishment of the [[Royal Court Theatre]], Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre, and two temporary venues for the [[Almeida]] - and with Jane Wernick Associates as the structural engineers, and consulting engineers Max Fordham LLP designing the building services, the refurbishment was completed in October 2006.

The main auditorium has been left intact, but refurbished and technically enhanced. The butchers' shop has also been retained as the main entrance to the building and also the box office.

The remainder of the 1970s structure has been rebuilt to provide new [[foyer]]s, dressing rooms, two studio theatres, and workshop spaces. An award of £5 million was received from the [[Arts Council of England]].

The Young Vic re-opened on 11 October 2006, with a production of the community opera ''[[Tobias and the Angel (Jonathan Dove)|Tobias and the Angel]]''; with music by [[Jonathan Dove]] and a libretto by David Lan. The Stage review [http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/14472/tobias-and-the-angel].

On 16 May 2007, the refurbished Young Vic won the ''[[RIBA]] London Building of the Year Award''.<ref>[http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/About/RIBALondon_220.html RIBA London Building of the Year Award] accessed 27 July 2007</ref> Following this award, the Young Vic was also short-listed for the ''RIBA [[Stirling Prize]]'' on 27 July 2007.<ref>[http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/Awards_2006.html RIBA announcement online]. See also the [http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/Awards_6251.html RIBA profile] of the Young Vic accessed 27 July 2007</ref>

==Productions==
===January 2011 - February 2012===
* ''[[Vernon God Little]]'' Book by [[DBC Pierre]]. Adaptation Tanya Ronder. Direction [[Rufus Norris]]. With Luke Brady, Clare Burt, Daniel Cerqueira, Peter De Jersey, Joseph Drake, Johnnie Fiori, [[Lily James]], [[Penny Layden]], Nathan Osgood and [[Duncan Wisbey]].
* ''And the Rain Falls Down'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction Sam Butler. Direction & Design David Harradine.
* ''Terminus'' by [[Mark O'Rowe]]. Direction [[Mark O'Rowe]]. With Declan Conlon, [[Olwen Fouere]] and [[Catherine Walker]].
* ''[[The Return of Ulysses ]]'' by Monteverdi. An [[ENO]]/[[Young Vic Theatre]] co-production
* ''[[I Am the Wind]]'' by Jon Fosse. English language version by Simon Stephens. Direction [[Patrice Chereau]] and Thierry Theiu Niang. With [[Tom Brooke]] and [[Jack Laskey]].
* ''Government Inspector'' by [[Nikolai Gogol]] in a new version by [[David Harrower]]. Direction [[Richard Jones]]. With [[Julian Barratt]], [[Doon Mackichan]] and [[Kyle Soller]].
* ''[[In the Penal Colony]]'' by [[Franz Kafka]]. Adapted by Amir Nizar Zuabi. Presented by ShiberHur Theatre Company of Palestine.
* ''[[The Beauty Queen of Leenane]]'' by [[Martin McDonagh]]. Direction [[Joe Hill-Gibbins]]. With [[Rosaleen Linehan]] and Derbhle Crotty.
* ''[[Disco Pigs]]'' by [[Enda Walsh]]. Direction Cathal Cleary.
* ''[[Street Scene]]'' with The Opera Group. Music by [[Kurt Weill]]. Book by [[Elmer Rice]]. Lyrics by [[Langston Hughes]]. Music performed by the [[BBC Concert Orchestra]] and [[Southbank Sinfonia]].
* ''[[Hamlet]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]]. Direction [[Ian Rickson]]. The role of Hamlet performed by [[Michael Sheen]].
* ''[[Bingo (play)|Bingo]]'' by [[Edward Bond]]. Direction Angus Jackson. The role of Shakespeare performed by [[Patrick Stewart]].

===September 2010 - January 2011===
* ''[[The Human Comedy]]'' with The Opera Group. Music by [[Galt MacDermot]]. Book by [[William Dumaresq]]. From an original story by [[William Saroyan]]. Direction by [[John Fulljames]]. With [[Brenda Edwards]].
* ''On Ageing'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction and Design David Harradine and Sam Butler.
* ''[[Faust]]'' adapted from [[Goethe]] by [[Vesturport]]. Direction [[Gisli Orn Gardarsson]]. Music by [[Nick Cave]] & [[Warren Ellis]].
* ''The Glass Menagerie'' by [[Tennessee Williams]]. Direction [[Joe Hill-Gibbins]]. Music by [[Dario Marianelli]]. With [[Leo Bill]], [[Deborah Findlay]], [[Sinéad Matthews]] and [[Kyle Soller]].
* ''[[Belarus Free Theatre]]: Numbers / Discover Love''. Guest appearances from [[Adjoa Andoh]], [[Jude Law]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[Sienna Miller]] and [[Samuel West]].
* ''[[My Dad's a Birdman]]''. By David Almond. Music by [[Pet Shop Boys]]. Direction Oliver Mears.

===October 2009 - January 2010===
* ''[[Annie Get Your Gun]]''. Music & lyrics by [[Irving Berlin]]. Book by Herbert & [[Dorothy Fields]]. Direction Richard Jones. With [[Jane Horrocks]] and Julian Ovenden.<ref>[http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8831241516838 WhatsOnStage announcement for Annie Get Your Gun]</ref>

===May 2009 - August 2010===
* ''Sweet nothings'' based on Arthur Schnitzler's ''Liebelei'' from 1895, arranged by David Harrower, directed by [[Luc Bondy]]
* ''Where's Ali'' devised by Ned Glasier. Featuring [[Jamie Zubairi]].
* ''Pictures from an Exhibition'' based on the suite by [[Modest Mussorgsky]]. Direction Daniel Kramer. Choreography Frauke Requardt.
* ''Kursk'' by Sound&Fury, in collaboration with Bryony Lavery.
* ''[[Been So Long]]'' Book, lyrics and direction Che Walker. Music and lyrics [[Arthur Darvill]].
* ''Sus'' by Barrie Keefe. Direction Gbolahan Obisesan.
* ''Brilliant'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction David Harradine.
* ''The Container'' by Clare Bayley. Direction Tom Wright. Design Naomi Dawson.
* ''4.48 Psychosis'' by [[Sarah Kane]]. Direction Christian Benedetti. With Anamaria Marinca.
* ''The Girlfriend Experience'' by Alecky Blythe. Direction Joe Hill-Gibbins.

===January 2009 - April 2009===
* ''[[King Lear]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]]. Direction [[Rupert Gould]]. With [[Pete Postlethwaite]] as King Lear.
* ''The Indian Wants the Bronx'' by Israel Horovitz. Direction Daljinder Singh. Design Paul Wills.
* ''Kafka's Monkey'' Based on A Report to an Academy by [[Franz Kafka]]. Adaptation Colin Teevan. Direction Walter Meierjohann. With Kathryn Hunter.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2009/mar/20/kafka-monkey-theatre-review Kafka's Monkey, Guardian online review]</ref>
* ''Bay'' devised by the company with writer Joel Horwood. Direction Sarah Tipple.
* ''After Dido'' Purcell's Dido and Aeneas in a new film and theatre piece. Direction Katie Mitchell.
* ''You Can See the Hills'' written and directed by Matthew Dunster. With William Ash.

===July 2008 - January 2009===
* ''Street Scene''. Music by [[Kurt Weill]]. Book by Edgar Rice. Lyrics by [[Langston Hughes]].
* ''Fragments'' by [[Samuel Beckett]]. Direction [[Peter Brook]].
* ''In the Red and Brown Water'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Walter Meierjohann. Design Miriam Buether.
* ''The Brothers Size'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Bijan Sheibani. Design Patrick Burnier.
* ''You Can See the Hills'' by Matthew Dunster. Direction Matthew Dunster. Designer Anna Fleischle.
* ''Amazônia'' by [[Colin Teevan]] and Paul Heritage. Direction Paul Heritage. Designer Gringo Cardia.
* ''Ghosts'' by Henrik Ibsen, adaptation Frank McGuiness. Direction William Oldroyd.

===January 2008 - June 2008===
* ''[[A Prayer for My Daughter (play)]]'' by [[Thomas Babe]]. Direction Dominic Hill. Design Giles Cadle. Lighting Bruno Poet.
* ''[[The Good Soul of Szechuan]]'' by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[David Harrower]]. Direction [[Richard Jones]]. Set Miriam Buether. Costume Nicky Gillibrand.

===June 2007 - January 2008===
* ''[[Ma vie en rose]]'' based on the film by [[Alain Berliner]]. Direction Pete Harris. Music Gary Yershon. Choreography Ayse Tashkiran.
* ''[[The Member of the Wedding]]'' by [[Carson McCullers]]. Direction Matthew Dunster. Design Robert Innes Hopkins.
* ''Fragments'' by [[Samuel Beckett]]. Direction [[Peter Brook]].
* ''The Investigation by [[Peter Weiss]], adapted by [[Jean Baudrillard]]. Direction Dorcy Rugamba and Isabelle Gyselinx. Design Fabienne Damiean.
* ''The Brothers Size'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Bijan Sheibani. Design Patrick Burnier.
* ''A Christmas Carol'' by Charles Dickens adapted and directed by [[Mark Dornford-May]]
* ''The Magic Flute'' by Mozart adapted and directed by [[Mark Dornford-May]]

===October 2006 - June 2007===
* ''[[Tobias and the Angel]]'' – Music by [[Jonathan Dove]]. Words by [[David Lan]]. Direction John Fulljames. Conductor David Charles Abell. Design Alexander Lowde.
* ''[[Love and Money (play)|Love and Money]]'' – by [[Dennis Kelly]]. Direction Matthew Dunster. Design Anna Fleischle.
* ''[[The Enchanted Pig]]'' – Music by [[Jonathan Dove]]. Words by Alasdair Middleton. Direction John Fulljames. Design Dick Bird.
* ''[[The Soldiers Fortune]]'' – by [[Thomas Otway]]. Direction [[David Lan]]. Set Lizzie Clachan. Costumes Joan Wadge.
* ''[[generations (play)|generations]]'' – by debbie tucker green. Direction Sacha Wares. Design Miriam Buether.
* ''[[A Respectable Wedding]] – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Rory Bremner]]. Direction Joe Hill-Gibbins. Design Ultz.
* ''[[The Jewish Wife]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Martin Crimp]]. Direction [[Katie Mitchell]]. Design Hildegard Bechtler.
* ''[[Senora Carrar's Rifles]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation Biyi Bandele. Direction Paul Hunter. Design Robert Innes Hopkins.
* ''[[How Much Is Your Iron?]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Enda Walsh]]. Direction Orla O'Loughlin. Design Dick Bird.
* ''[[Vernon God Little]]'' – by [[DBC Pierre]]. Adaptation Tanya Ronder. Direction Rufus Norris. Design Ian MacNeil. Costumes Nicky Gillibrand.

== Digital Theatre ==
The Young Vic was one of the launch theatres for [[Digital Theatre]], a project which makes theatre productions available in video download form. The first performances that were filmed were 'Kafka's Monkey' and 'The Container'.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Leading theatres launch downloadable shows
| work =
| publisher = Official London Theatre Guide
| date =
| url = http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest/view/item107946/&t=Leading%20theatres%20launch%20downloadable%20shows/
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2010-02-15 }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commonscat}}
* [http://www.youngvic.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/theyoungvic Myspace profile]
* [http://www.haworthtompkins.com/ Haworth Tompkins Architects]
* [http://www.wernick.eu.com/ Jane Wernick Associates]

{{OlivierAward AffiliateTheatre}}
{{OlivierAward MusicalRevival}}
{{Theatres in London}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Young Vic}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1970]]
[[Category:Theatres in Lambeth]]
[[Category:Producing house theatres in London]]

[[id:Young Vic]]
[[no:Young Vic]]
[[pt:Young Vic]]
[[ru:Янг-Вик]]
[[sk:Young Vic]]

Young Vic

2011-07-08T12:59:11Z

2.26.250.49:

{{Infobox Theatre
| name = Young Vic
| image = Young Vic.jpg
| caption = Theatre entrance
| address = [[South Bank]], [[The Cut (London)|the Cut]]
| city = [[London Borough of Lambeth|Lambeth, London]]
| country = {{UK}}
| designation =
| latitude = 51.50323
| longitude = -0.10748
| architect = [[Haworth Tompkins]]
| owner =
| capacity = 420 Main house 160 ''Maria'' (studio) 80 ''Claire'' (studio)
| type = Non-commercial resident company
| opened = 1970
| yearsactive =
| rebuilt = 2006 [[Haworth Tompkins]]
| closed =
| othernames =
| production = [[Repertory]] seasons
| currentuse =
| website = www.youngvic.org
}}

The '''Young Vic''' is a theatre on [[The Cut (London)|the Cut]], located near the [[South Bank]], in the [[London Borough of Lambeth]]. It specialises in giving opportunities to young actors and directors. The theatre is publicly subsidised and has a high artistic reputation. Playwright [[David Lan]] has been the theatre's artistic director since 2000. Its philosophy is to "produce great plays for great audiences, now and in the future".

==History==
The Young Vic's name derives from the nearby [[Old Vic]], one of the most celebrated of London's theatres and the first home of the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]].

In the period after [[World War II]] a Young Vic Company was formed in 1946 by director [[George Devine]]<ref>''The Theatres of George Devine'' by Irving Wardle, Cape 1978 ISBN 0-224-01415-3</ref> as an offshoot of the Old Vic Theatre School for the purpose of performing classic plays for audiences aged nine to fifteen.

This was discontinued in 1948 when Devine and the entire faculty resigned from the Old Vic, but in 1969 [[Frank Dunlop (director)|Frank Dunlop]] became founder-director of The Young Vic theatre with his free adaptation of [[Molière]]'s ''The Cheats of Scapino'', presented at the new venue as a National Theatre production, opening on 11 September 1970 and starring [[Jim Dale]] in the title role with designs by [[Carl Toms]] (decor) and [[Maria Bjornson]] (costumes).<ref>Frank Dunlop's CV for ''Who's Who in the Theatre'' 17th edition, Gale (1981) ISBN 0-8103-0235-7</ref>

Initially part of the [[Royal National Theatre|National Theatre]], the Young Vic Theatre became an independent body in 1974.<ref>''The Oxford Companion to the Theatre'', OUP (1983) ISBN 0-19-211546-4</ref>

In the words of [[Laurence Olivier]], then director of the National Theatre: "Here we think to develop plays for young audiences, an experimental workshop for authors, actors and producers." The aim was to create an accessible theatre which offered high quality at low cost in an informal environment. The aim was to appeal to young audiences, but this time not specifically to children.

==Young Vic Theatre==
Frank Dunlop completed creation of the theatre venue in 1970, a breeze-block building in the Cut constructed out of a former butchers' shop and an adjacent bomb-site. It was intended to last for five years, but has become permanent.

The auditorium, with a [[thrust stage]], has a capacity of around 500 but this can vary depending on the configuration of the stage for each production.

In addition to the Young Vic's main house, there are now two smaller theatre spaces. The Maria, named after theatre designer Maria Bjornson, is the larger of the two with a capacity of 150. The Clare, named after the former artistic director of the [[Sheffield Crucible]], [http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,3604,1066593,00.html Clare Venables], seats 70. Like the main house, both smaller theatres have flexible seating configurations which can be arranged to suit the production design. In all of the Young Vic's theatres, seating is unreserved with the actors performing in close proximity to the audience.

The Young Vic primarily performs classic plays, but often in innovative productions. Many well-known actors have worked at the Young Vic including [[Ian Charleson]], who made his memorable professional debut with the Young Vic 1972-74, and who played Jimmy Porter in ''Look Back in Anger'' and Hamlet in the first revival of [[Tom Stoppard|Stoppard]]'s ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'' in 1973. Others include [[Vanessa Redgrave]], [[Helen Mirren]], [[Judi Dench]], [[Timothy Dalton]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[Willard White]], [[Clive Owen]] and [[Jude Law]].

Quintessential rock band [[the Who]] held free, weekly concerts at the Young Vic in early 1971 in order to rehearse what would become their masterpiece album, ''[[Who's Next]]''. One of these shows was released on the Deluxe edition of this album.

A memorial in the theatre's auditorium commemorates the 54 people killed in 1941 while sheltering in the cellars of the former building on the site, during [[the Blitz]].<ref>[http://www.citythemes.co.uk/pdffiles/The%20Blitz.pdf City Themes, list of WWII memorials in London] accessed 12 July 2007</ref>

In 1982 the theatre hosted a ''Poetry Olympics'', where comedian [[Pat Condell]] took part.<ref>{{cite news
| first =
| last =
| title = Poets' marathon at Young Vic 'Olympics'
| work = The Times
| date = November 30, 1982
| accessdate = 2009-03-24
| url = http://www.patcondell.net/page2/page10/page10.html
}}</ref>

==Awards==
2004 - Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre [[Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre]]

2008 - Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival [[Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre]]

==Refurbishment 2004-2006==
[[Image:Young Vic studio room-Clare.jpg|thumb|The Clare]]
In 2003, the Young Vic launched a campaign to raise £12.5 million for a major reconstruction of its building and closed in 2004 for work to start.

Designed by architects [[Haworth Tompkins]] - also known for their refurbishment of the [[Royal Court Theatre]], Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre, and two temporary venues for the [[Almeida]] - and with [[Jane Wernick Associates]] as the structural engineers, and consulting engineers [[Max Fordham LLP]] designing the building services, the refurbishment was completed in October 2006.

The main auditorium has been left intact, but refurbished and technically enhanced. The butchers' shop has also been retained as the main entrance to the building and also the box office.

The remainder of the 1970s structure has been rebuilt to provide new [[foyer]]s, dressing rooms, two studio theatres, and workshop spaces. An award of £5 million was received from the [[Arts Council of England]].

The Young Vic re-opened on 11 October 2006, with a production of the community opera ''[[Tobias and the Angel (Jonathan Dove)|Tobias and the Angel]]''; with music by [[Jonathan Dove]] and a libretto by David Lan. The Stage review [http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/14472/tobias-and-the-angel].

On 16 May 2007, the refurbished Young Vic won the ''[[RIBA]] London Building of the Year Award''.<ref>[http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/About/RIBALondon_220.html RIBA London Building of the Year Award] accessed 27 July 2007</ref> Following this award, the Young Vic was also short-listed for the ''RIBA [[Stirling Prize]]'' on 27 July 2007.<ref>[http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/Awards_2006.html RIBA announcement online]. See also the [http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Also/Awards_6251.html RIBA profile] of the Young Vic accessed 27 July 2007</ref>

==Productions==
===January 2011 - February 2012===
* ''[[Vernon God Little]]'' Book by [[DBC Pierre]]. Adaptation Tanya Ronder. Direction [[Rufus Norris]]. With Luke Brady, Clare Burt, Daniel Cerqueira, Peter De Jersey, Joseph Drake, Johnnie Fiori, [[Lily James]], [[Penny Layden]], Nathan Osgood and [[Duncan Wisbey]].
* ''And the Rain Falls Down'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction Sam Butler. Direction & Design David Harradine.
* ''Terminus'' by [[Mark O'Rowe]]. Direction [[Mark O'Rowe]]. With Declan Conlon, [[Olwen Fouere]] and [[Catherine Walker]].
* ''[[The Return of Ulysses ]]'' by Monteverdi. An [[ENO]]/[[Young Vic Theatre]] co-production
* ''[[I Am the Wind]]'' by Jon Fosse. English language version by Simon Stephens. Direction [[Patrice Chereau]] and Thierry Theiu Niang. With [[Tom Brooke]] and [[Jack Laskey]].
* ''Government Inspector'' by [[Nikolai Gogol]] in a new version by [[David Harrower]]. Direction [[Richard Jones]]. With [[Julian Barratt]], [[Doon Mackichan]] and [[Kyle Soller]].
* ''[[In the Penal Colony]]'' by [[Franz Kafka]]. Adapted by Amir Nizar Zuabi. Presented by ShiberHur Theatre Company of Palestine.
* ''[[The Beauty Queen of Leenane]]'' by [[Martin McDonagh]]. Direction [[Joe Hill-Gibbins]]. With [[Rosaleen Linehan]] and Derbhle Crotty.
* ''[[Disco Pigs]]'' by [[Enda Walsh]]. Direction Cathal Cleary.
* ''[[Street Scene]]'' with The Opera Group. Music by [[Kurt Weill]]. Book by [[Elmer Rice]]. Lyrics by [[Langston Hughes]]. Music performed by the [[BBC Concert Orchestra]] and [[Southbank Sinfonia]].
* ''[[Hamlet]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]]. Direction [[Ian Rickson]]. The role of Hamlet performed by [[Michael Sheen]].
* ''[[Bingo (play)|Bingo]]'' by [[Edward Bond]]. Direction Angus Jackson. The role of Shakespeare performed by [[Patrick Stewart]].

===September 2010 - January 2011===
* ''[[The Human Comedy]]'' with The Opera Group. Music by [[Galt MacDermot]]. Book by [[William Dumaresq]]. From an original story by [[William Saroyan]]. Direction by [[John Fulljames]]. With [[Brenda Edwards]].
* ''On Ageing'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction and Design David Harradine and Sam Butler.
* ''[[Faust]]'' adapted from [[Goethe]] by [[Vesturport]]. Direction [[Gisli Orn Gardarsson]]. Music by [[Nick Cave]] & [[Warren Ellis]].
* ''The Glass Menagerie'' by [[Tennessee Williams]]. Direction [[Joe Hill-Gibbins]]. Music by [[Dario Marianelli]]. With [[Leo Bill]], [[Deborah Findlay]], [[Sinéad Matthews]] and [[Kyle Soller]].
* ''[[Belarus Free Theatre]]: Numbers / Discover Love''. Guest appearances from [[Adjoa Andoh]], [[Jude Law]], [[Ian McKellen]], [[Sienna Miller]] and [[Samuel West]].
* ''[[My Dad's a Birdman]]''. By David Almond. Music by [[Pet Shop Boys]]. Direction Oliver Mears.

===October 2009 - January 2010===
* ''[[Annie Get Your Gun]]''. Music & lyrics by [[Irving Berlin]]. Book by Herbert & [[Dorothy Fields]]. Direction Richard Jones. With [[Jane Horrocks]] and Julian Ovenden.<ref>[http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8831241516838 WhatsOnStage announcement for Annie Get Your Gun]</ref>

===May 2009 - August 2010===
* ''Sweet nothings'' based on Arthur Schnitzler's ''Liebelei'' from 1895, arranged by David Harrower, directed by [[Luc Bondy]]
* ''Where's Ali'' devised by Ned Glasier. Featuring [[Jamie Zubairi]].
* ''Pictures from an Exhibition'' based on the suite by [[Modest Mussorgsky]]. Direction Daniel Kramer. Choreography Frauke Requardt.
* ''Kursk'' by Sound&Fury, in collaboration with Bryony Lavery.
* ''[[Been So Long]]'' Book, lyrics and direction Che Walker. Music and lyrics [[Arthur Darvill]].
* ''Sus'' by Barrie Keefe. Direction Gbolahan Obisesan.
* ''Brilliant'' by Fevered Sleep. Direction David Harradine.
* ''The Container'' by Clare Bayley. Direction Tom Wright. Design Naomi Dawson.
* ''4.48 Psychosis'' by [[Sarah Kane]]. Direction Christian Benedetti. With Anamaria Marinca.
* ''The Girlfriend Experience'' by Alecky Blythe. Direction Joe Hill-Gibbins.

===January 2009 - April 2009===
* ''[[King Lear]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]]. Direction [[Rupert Gould]]. With [[Pete Postlethwaite]] as King Lear.
* ''The Indian Wants the Bronx'' by Israel Horovitz. Direction Daljinder Singh. Design Paul Wills.
* ''Kafka's Monkey'' Based on A Report to an Academy by [[Franz Kafka]]. Adaptation Colin Teevan. Direction Walter Meierjohann. With Kathryn Hunter.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2009/mar/20/kafka-monkey-theatre-review Kafka's Monkey, Guardian online review]</ref>
* ''Bay'' devised by the company with writer Joel Horwood. Direction Sarah Tipple.
* ''After Dido'' Purcell's Dido and Aeneas in a new film and theatre piece. Direction Katie Mitchell.
* ''You Can See the Hills'' written and directed by Matthew Dunster. With William Ash.

===July 2008 - January 2009===
* ''Street Scene''. Music by [[Kurt Weill]]. Book by Edgar Rice. Lyrics by [[Langston Hughes]].
* ''Fragments'' by [[Samuel Beckett]]. Direction [[Peter Brook]].
* ''In the Red and Brown Water'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Walter Meierjohann. Design Miriam Buether.
* ''The Brothers Size'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Bijan Sheibani. Design Patrick Burnier.
* ''You Can See the Hills'' by Matthew Dunster. Direction Matthew Dunster. Designer Anna Fleischle.
* ''Amazônia'' by [[Colin Teevan]] and Paul Heritage. Direction Paul Heritage. Designer Gringo Cardia.
* ''Ghosts'' by Henrik Ibsen, adaptation Frank McGuiness. Direction William Oldroyd.

===January 2008 - June 2008===
* ''[[A Prayer for My Daughter (play)]]'' by [[Thomas Babe]]. Direction Dominic Hill. Design Giles Cadle. Lighting Bruno Poet.
* ''[[The Good Soul of Szechuan]]'' by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[David Harrower]]. Direction [[Richard Jones]]. Set Miriam Buether. Costume Nicky Gillibrand.

===June 2007 - January 2008===
* ''[[Ma vie en rose]]'' based on the film by [[Alain Berliner]]. Direction Pete Harris. Music Gary Yershon. Choreography Ayse Tashkiran.
* ''[[The Member of the Wedding]]'' by [[Carson McCullers]]. Direction Matthew Dunster. Design Robert Innes Hopkins.
* ''Fragments'' by [[Samuel Beckett]]. Direction [[Peter Brook]].
* ''The Investigation by [[Peter Weiss]], adapted by [[Jean Baudrillard]]. Direction Dorcy Rugamba and Isabelle Gyselinx. Design Fabienne Damiean.
* ''The Brothers Size'' by [[Tarell Alvin McCraney]] (part of the Brother/Sister plays). Direction Bijan Sheibani. Design Patrick Burnier.
* ''A Christmas Carol'' by Charles Dickens adapted and directed by [[Mark Dornford-May]]
* ''The Magic Flute'' by Mozart adapted and directed by [[Mark Dornford-May]]

===October 2006 - June 2007===
* ''[[Tobias and the Angel]]'' – Music by [[Jonathan Dove]]. Words by [[David Lan]]. Direction John Fulljames. Conductor David Charles Abell. Design Alexander Lowde.
* ''[[Love and Money (play)|Love and Money]]'' – by [[Dennis Kelly]]. Direction Matthew Dunster. Design Anna Fleischle.
* ''[[The Enchanted Pig]]'' – Music by [[Jonathan Dove]]. Words by Alasdair Middleton. Direction John Fulljames. Design Dick Bird.
* ''[[The Soldiers Fortune]]'' – by [[Thomas Otway]]. Direction [[David Lan]]. Set Lizzie Clachan. Costumes Joan Wadge.
* ''[[generations (play)|generations]]'' – by debbie tucker green. Direction Sacha Wares. Design Miriam Buether.
* ''[[A Respectable Wedding]] – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Rory Bremner]]. Direction Joe Hill-Gibbins. Design Ultz.
* ''[[The Jewish Wife]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Martin Crimp]]. Direction [[Katie Mitchell]]. Design Hildegard Bechtler.
* ''[[Senora Carrar's Rifles]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation Biyi Bandele. Direction Paul Hunter. Design Robert Innes Hopkins.
* ''[[How Much Is Your Iron?]]'' – by [[Bertolt Brecht]]. Translation [[Enda Walsh]]. Direction Orla O'Loughlin. Design Dick Bird.
* ''[[Vernon God Little]]'' – by [[DBC Pierre]]. Adaptation Tanya Ronder. Direction Rufus Norris. Design Ian MacNeil. Costumes Nicky Gillibrand.

== Digital Theatre ==
The Young Vic was one of the launch theatres for [[Digital Theatre]], a project which makes theatre productions available in video download form. The first performances that were filmed were 'Kafka's Monkey' and 'The Container'.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Leading theatres launch downloadable shows
| work =
| publisher = Official London Theatre Guide
| date =
| url = http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest/view/item107946/&t=Leading%20theatres%20launch%20downloadable%20shows/
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2010-02-15 }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commonscat}}
* [http://www.youngvic.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/theyoungvic Myspace profile]
* [http://www.haworthtompkins.com/ Haworth Tompkins Architects]
* [http://www.wernick.eu.com/ Jane Wernick Associates]

{{OlivierAward AffiliateTheatre}}
{{OlivierAward MusicalRevival}}
{{Theatres in London}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Young Vic}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1970]]
[[Category:Theatres in Lambeth]]
[[Category:Producing house theatres in London]]

[[id:Young Vic]]
[[no:Young Vic]]
[[pt:Young Vic]]
[[ru:Янг-Вик]]
[[sk:Young Vic]]

The Cut (London)

2011-07-08T12:55:07Z

2.26.250.49:

[[Image:Waterloo the old vic 1.jpg|thumb|The [[Old Vic]] Theatre, at the western end of '''the Cut''' (in [[Lambeth]]).]]
[[Image:Young Vic.jpg|thumb|The [[Young Vic]] Theatre, halfway along the northern side of '''the Cut''' (also in Lambeth).]]
[[Image:Southwark College The Cut.jpg|thumb|[[Southwark College]], on the southern side of '''the Cut''' towards the eastern end (in [[Southwark]]).]]
[[Image:Southwark.jpg|thumb|[[Southwark tube station]], at the eastern end of '''the Cut''' (also in Southwark).]]

{{coord|51|30|12.3|N|0|6|24.6|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}

'''The Cut''' is a street in [[Lambeth]] and [[Southwark]], London. It runs between [[Waterloo Road, London|Waterloo Road]] (west) and [[Blackfriars Road]] (east). At the western end to the south is the well-established [[Old Vic Theatre]] and half way along on the north side is the more experimental [[Young Vic]]. Opposite the Young Vic is Short Street which leads on to Ufford Street. [[Southwark College]] is to the south. At the eastern end on the north side is [[Southwark tube station]].

Opposite this is [http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/1/1265 The Ring] public house, above which is a [[boxing]] gymnasium. It is here that the [[Marquess of Queensberry]] allegedly wrote the [[Marquess of Queensberry rules|modern rules]] for the sport of boxing {{Citation needed|date=August 2007}}.

There are many good local restaurants in the street.<ref>[http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaurants/by-street/the+cut Restaurants, Pubs & Bars in The Cut, London SE1], [http://www.london-se1.co.uk/ London SE1].</ref>

The road forms part of the B300. To the southwest is [[Baylis Road]] and to the east is [[Union Street, Southwark|Union Street]]. It was previously called the '''New Cut'''.

== See also ==
* [[Lower Marsh]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cut, The}}
[[Category:Streets in Lambeth]]
[[Category:Streets in Southwark]]
[[Category:Restaurant districts and streets]]

{{london-road-stub}}

[[no:The Cut (London)]]
[[ru:Кат (Лондон)]]

The Cut (London)

2011-07-08T12:53:58Z

2.26.250.49:

[[Image:Waterloo the old vic 1.jpg|thumb|The [[Old Vic]] Theatre, at the western end of '''The Cut''' (in [[Lambeth]]).]]
[[Image:Young Vic.jpg|thumb|The [[Young Vic]] Theatre, halfway along the northern side of '''The Cut''' (also in Lambeth).]]
[[Image:Southwark College The Cut.jpg|thumb|[[Southwark College]], on the southern side of '''The Cut''' towards the eastern end (in [[Southwark]]).]]
[[Image:Southwark.jpg|thumb|[[Southwark tube station]], at the eastern end of '''the Cut''' (also in Southwark).]]

{{coord|51|30|12.3|N|0|6|24.6|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}

'''The Cut''' is a street in [[Lambeth]] and [[Southwark]], London. It runs between [[Waterloo Road, London|Waterloo Road]] (west) and [[Blackfriars Road]] (east). At the western end to the south is the well-established [[Old Vic Theatre]] and half way along on the north side is the more experimental [[Young Vic]]. Opposite the Young Vic is Short Street which leads on to Ufford Street. [[Southwark College]] is to the south. At the eastern end on the north side is [[Southwark tube station]].

Opposite this is [http://www.london-se1.co.uk/forum/read/1/1265 The Ring] public house, above which is a [[boxing]] gymnasium. It is here that the [[Marquess of Queensberry]] allegedly wrote the [[Marquess of Queensberry rules|modern rules]] for the sport of boxing {{Citation needed|date=August 2007}}.

There are many good local restaurants in the street.<ref>[http://www.london-se1.co.uk/restaurants/by-street/the+cut Restaurants, Pubs & Bars in The Cut, London SE1], [http://www.london-se1.co.uk/ London SE1].</ref>

The road forms part of the B300. To the southwest is [[Baylis Road]] and to the east is [[Union Street, Southwark|Union Street]]. It was previously called the '''New Cut'''.

== See also ==
* [[Lower Marsh]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cut, The}}
[[Category:Streets in Lambeth]]
[[Category:Streets in Southwark]]
[[Category:Restaurant districts and streets]]

{{london-road-stub}}

[[no:The Cut (London)]]
[[ru:Кат (Лондон)]]

Chester Zoo

2011-07-02T19:40:08Z

2.26.250.49: /* Big cats */

{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name=Chester Zoo
|logo=Chester-zoo-logo.png
|logo_width=70
|logo_caption=Chester Zoological Gardens
|date_opened=1931
|location=[[Upton-by-Chester]], [[Cheshire]], [[England]]
|area={{Convert|111|acre}}
|coordinates={{Coord|53|13|36|N|2|53|3|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=it}}
|num_species=422 (2007)
|num_animals=9019+ (2007)
|exhibits = Elephants of the Asian Forest, Realm of the Red Ape Tsavo Black Rhino Experience Spirit of the Jaguar
|annual_visitors =1.3 million visitors (2007)<ref name="goodzoos"/>
|website=http://www.chesterzoo.org
}}

'''Chester Zoo''' is a [[zoological garden]] at [[Upton-by-Chester]], in [[Cheshire]], [[England]]. It was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, who used as a basis some animals reported to have come from an earlier zoo in [[Shavington]].<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Chester Zoo |work=Chester Zoo website |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/About/History%20of%20Chester%20Zoo.aspx |accessdate=2008-05-08}}</ref> It is the one of the UK's largest zoos at {{convert|111|acre}}.<ref name="goodzoos">{{cite web | title=Chester Zoo |work=Goodzoos website |url=http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm | accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> The zoo has a total land holding of approximately {{convert|400|acre}}.

Chester Zoo is currently operated by the [[North of England]] Zoological Society, a [[registered charity]] founded in 1934. The zoo receives no government funding. It is the most-visited wildlife attraction in Britain with more than 1.3 million visitors in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ellesmereportstandard.co.uk/news/Visitors-flock-to-Chester-Zoo.3841672.jp|publisher=''Ellesmere Port and Neston Standard''|date=2008-03-05 |accessdate=2008-06-20|title=Visitors flock to Chester Zoo}}</ref> In the same year ''[[Forbes]]'' described it as one of the best fifteen zoos in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/top-zoos-slide-6.html|publisher=''[[Forbes]]''|date=2007-11-05 |accessdate=2008-05-21|title=The World's Best Zoos}}</ref>

==History==
===Early history===
The Mottershead family's [[market garden]] business was based in Shavington near [[Crewe]]. George Mottershead collected animals such as [[lizard]]s and [[insect]]s that arrived with exotic plants imported by the business. A visit to [[Belle Vue Zoo]] in [[Manchester]] as a boy in 1903 fuelled his developing interest in creating a zoo of his own.

Mottershead was wounded in [[World War I]] and spent several years in a wheelchair. Despite this, his collection of animals grew and he began to search for a suitable home for his zoo. He chose Oakfield House in [[Upton, Cheshire|Upton]], a suburb of [[Chester]], which he purchased for £3,500 in 1930.<ref name=history>{{cite web |title=From Polar Bears to Pandas: The History of Chester Zoo |publisher=Chester City Council |url=http://www.chester.gov.uk/tourism_and_leisure/culture_and_leisure/chester_history_and_heritage/past_exhibitions/from_polar_bears_to_pandas.aspx |date=2008-02-13 |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> The house had {{convert|9|acre}} of gardens and provided easy access to the railways and to Manchester and [[Liverpool]]. There were local objections, but Mottershead prevailed, and Chester Zoo opened to the public on 10 June 1931.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chester Zoo |work=Goodzoos website |url=http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm |accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> The first animals were displayed in pens in the courtyard.<ref name="history" />

Rapid expansion followed after [[World War II]], despite the difficulty of sourcing materials. Mottershead had to be resourceful; the [[polar bear]] exhibit (1950) was built from recycled wartime road blocks and [[British hardened field defences of World War II|pillboxes]].<ref name="history" /> "Always building" was the zoo's slogan at the time. Mottershead received the [[OBE]], an honorary degree of MSc, and served as President of the International Union of Zoo Directors. He died in 1978 aged 84.

===Zoo design===
Mottershead wanted to build a zoo without the traditional [[Victorian era|Victorian]] iron bars to cage the animals.<ref>{{citebook|title=Veterinary medicine: a guide to historical sources|first=Pamela|last=Hunter|publisher=Ashgate Publishing|year=2004|ISBN=0754640531|pages=455}}</ref> He was influenced by the ideas of [[Carl Hagenbeck]], who invented the modern zoo concept and by Heine Hediger, a pioneer of [[ethology]].

At Chester, Mottershead took Hagenback's idea for moats and ditches as an alternative to cage bars, and extended their use throughout the zoo, often with species that Hagenback had not considered. For example, when [[chimpanzee]]s were released into their new enclosure at Chester in 1956, a group of grassy islands separated the [[ape]]s from visitors by no more than a {{Convert|12|ft|sing=on}} strip of water. Nobody knew then if chimps could swim. It turned out that they could not, and today the chimp islands are a centrepiece of Chester Zoo.

In 1986 the zoo was enclosed with a fence, in line with the [[Zoo Licensing Act 1981]].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Zoo Estate | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.co.uk/corporate.asp?Page=130 | accessdate = 2007-02-28}}</ref>

==Management structure==
The zoo is split into three separate directorates under the management of the Director General, [[Gordon McGregor Reid]]:

*Conservation and Education
*Corporate Services
*Business Operations

==Layout and facilities==
[[Mobility scooter]]s are available near the main entrance, as is locker and buggy hire.

[[File:Chester zoo train.jpg|thumb|right|Flag Lane divides the zoo park into two which the ''Zoofari'' monorail has to cross]]
The zoo is bisected by a public bridleway, Flag Lane. For many years, a single bridge (now called Elephants' Bridge), drivable by zoo vehicles and powered wheelchairs, near the elephant exhibit was the only crossing place within the grounds. A second crossing, passable by pedestrians and [[mobility scooter]]s, called Bats' Bridge, opened in April 2008 near the Twilight Zone, has improved the ability of visitors to circulate.

There are other ways to travel around the zoo:
*A transportation system, now generally known as the [[monorail]], with a station near the elephants and a station near the lions. It runs in a circle.
*A water bus operates on a canal network within the zoo in peak season, but it stops at only one place.
Visitors must pay extra for using the monorail and the water bus.

Chester's catering facilities include the '''Café Bembé''' near the main entrance which opened in 2006. '''June's Pavilion''' is in the middle of the zoo. The '''Oakfield Restaurant''', in a Victorian mansion house near the lion enclosure, and the '''Acorn Bar''', are both used for private functions as well as catering to zoo visitors.

There are children's play areas, shops, kiosks and several picnic lawns around the zoo. A second pedestrian entrance is located in the southeast corner of the zoo behind Oakfield House.

For a long time the public entrance was at the east end. In recent years the public entrance has moved to the north side, west of Flag Lane, near the elephants, and the old car parks at the east end are being built over with service and educational buildings.

The zoo owns land outside the public area, and uses that land to grow food for its [[herbivorous]] animals.

===Monorail===
[[File:Chesterzoomonorail.jpg|right|thumb|Elevated view from the monorail. The side track leads to the depot]]
A [[monorail]] system was built and installed by Computerised People Mover International at a cost of $4 million and then opened by [[Katharine, Duchess of Kent]] in 1991.<ref name="next-stop">{{cite journal|url=http://ntlsearch.bts.gov/tris/record/tris/00635385.html|title=Next Stop for the Peoplemover (Abstract)|date=1992-07|journal=Urban Transport International - Peoplemovers Update Supplement|first=B H|last=North|publisher=Landor Publishing Limited|quote=Computerised People Mover International have developed a straddling monorail which is in use at Chester Zoo.}}</ref><ref name="tms">{{cite web|url=http://www.monorails.org/tmspages/Chstrzo.html|title=Chester Zoo|work=Monorails of Europe|publisher=The Monorail Society|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref><ref name="local-history-group">{{cite web|url=http://www.historyofuptonbychester.org.uk/zoo.html|title=Historical Archives of the site of Upton's Zoo|publisher=Upton-by-Chester Local History Group|accessdate=2009-07-25|quote=in 1991 the duchess of Kent opened the zoo monorail.}}</ref> The system is 1 mile (1½ km) long and travels on an elevated guideway to give views of the park grounds — the track crosses Flag Lane twice on its one-way circular shape. The two halves of the park are connected by the system and there is one station in each part, near lion and monkey enclosures respectively. Each train on the system holds 24 passengers<ref name="mogul"/> between its four cars and a full tour takes around fifteen minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/en/Home/News/July%202009/Pete%20Waterman%20gets%20birds%20eye%20view%20of%20zoo.aspx|title=Pete Waterman gets birds eye view of the zoo|work=News|publisher=Chester Zoo|date=2009-07-17|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref>

The system is a straddle beam monorail. The layout has a separate depot and control room<ref name="next-stop"/><ref name="mogul">{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-news/local-chester-news/2009/07/23/music-mogul-pete-waterman-launches-chester-zoo-s-revamped-monorail-59067-24217641/|title=Music mogul Pete Waterman launches Chester Zoo’s revamped monorail|first=Ben|last=Coulbeck|publisher=''Chester Chronicle''|date=2009-07-23|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref> and carries approximately 2,000 passengers per day.<ref name="gold-coast">{{cite web|url=http://eprints.qut.edu.au/15425/1/15425.pdf|title=Challenges to Urban Transport Sustainability and Smart Transport in a Tourist City: The Gold Coast|last=Yigitcanlar|first=Tan|coauthors=Fabian, Lawrence; Coiacetto, Eddo|work=The Open Transportation Journal|year=2008|page=42|quote=Automated People Movers: Daily Ridership (Thousand People)... Chester Zoo, UK: 2}}</ref> During 2009 improvements to the monorail's drive system and electrics were made by T&M Machine Tool Electronics, including the laying of over {{convert|25|mi|km}} of new cabling bringing the total cost of the improvements to £300,000. The monorail was re-launched by music producer [[Pete Waterman]] during a visit on 23 July 2009, when Waterman drove the first loop of the new system.<ref name="mogul"/>

==Species and animals==
Chester Zoo holds a large and diverse collection. At the end of 2007, over half the species at the zoo appeared on the [[IUCN Red List]] and 155 were classified as [[threatened species]]. 134 species were kept as part of a managed captive breeding programme. The zoo manages the studbooks for [[African Forest Buffalo|Congo buffalo]], [[jaguar]], [[Blue-eyed Cockatoo|blue-eyed cockatoo]], [[Boa manditra|Madagscan tree boa]], [[gemsbok]] (all ESB species), [[black rhinoceros]], [[Red-lored Amazon|Ecuadorian Amazon parrot]], [[Mindanao Wrinkled Hornbill|Mindanao writhe-billed hornbill]] and [[Rodrigues fruit bat]] (all [[European Endangered Species Programme|EEP]] species). In addition, Chester holds 265 threatened plant species.<ref>{{cite web | title = Livestock Totals, Threatened Animals and Threatened Plants | title = Chester Zoo Annual Review 2007 - Appendices | publisher = Chester Zoo | url = http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/About/Annual%20Reports/2007.aspx | accessdate = 2008-06-18}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Group
! Number of species
! Number of animals
|-
| [[Mammal]]s
| 79
| 1864
|-
| [[Bird]]s
| 155
| 1138
|-
| [[Reptile]]s
| 52
| 230
|-
| [[Amphibian]]s
| 24
| 577
|-
| [[Fish]]
| 80
| 3829
|-
| [[Invertebrate]]s
| 32
| 1381+
|- class="sortbottom"
| '''Total'''
| '''422'''
| '''9019+'''
|}

==Animal exhibits==
===Elephants of the Asian Forest===
Chester was the first zoo in the UK to successfully [[breed]] [[Asian elephant]]s in captivity. The most famous of these was Jubilee (1977–2003), so named as he was born in 1977, the year of the [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Silver Jubilee]]. The zoo has a breeding herd of eight elephants,<ref>{{cite web |title=Elephant calf makes debut |work=Chester Zoo website |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/newsitem.asp?ID=254 |accessdate=2007-03-03 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070928094459/http://www.chesterzoo.org/newsitem.asp?ID=254  |archivedate = 2007-09-28}}</ref> There have been two calves born in the last year: Nayan (male, born 2010) and Jamilah (female, born 2011). Long-time favourite Sheba died in 2011. The current herd is composed of two males and six females - 16-year old breeding male Upali, aging females Maya and Jangolie, the 'grandma' of the herd, Thi, her two daughters, Sithami and Jamilah, and Sithami's young Sundara and Nayan. The elephant house also used to house [[African elephant]]s, [[rhinoceros|rhinos]], [[hippo]]s and [[tapir]]s. Motty, a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] [[African elephant|African]]-Asian elephant calf was born in July 1978, but died in infancy.

A [[GBP]]2 million breeding facility modelled on an [[Assam]] ([[India]]) [[rainforest]] called '''Elephants of the Asian Forest''' opened at Easter 2006, as a major alteration of the zoo's previous elephant house. In the elephant house other indigenous species are exhibited, including [[Great Hornbill|great Indian hornbills]], [[azure-winged magpie]]s, [[green peafowl]], [[red-billed blue magpie]], [[red junglefowl]], [[Callosciurus|Prevost's squirrels]], [[red-bellied squirrel]]s, [[spiny turtle]]s, and [[Northern treeshrew|Northern tree shrews]]. There is an aquarium for [[Barb (fish)|Pla Eesok]], [[Pig-nosed turtle]]s, [[Clown loach]] and [[Asian arowana]] fish.<ref>{{cite web | title = Elephants of the Asian Forest | work = Zoolex website | url = http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=859 | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref>

===Spirit of the Jaguar===
'''Spirit of the Jaguar'''<ref>{{cite web | title = Spirit of the Jaguar | work = Zoolex website | url = http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=864 | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref> was opened in 2001 and is sponsored by [[Jaguar (car)|Jaguar cars]]. The exhibit is split into four sections. The two inside are modelled on a rainforest and a dry [[savannah]], and the two outside contain rivers and pools so that the cats can exercise their swimming skills. There are currently five [[jaguar]]s, four spotted and one [[Black panther|melanistic (black)]]. A male and female named Salvador and Sophia had cubs in 2005 that died soon after birth. As well as jaguars, the exhibit also contains a colony of [[leaf-cutter ants]], [[poison arrow frogs]], [[Corallus caninus|emerald tree boa]]s and numerous rainforest [[fish]] including [[Ameca splendens|butterfly goodeid]]. In 2008, an amphibian based exhibit with Surinam Toads, Caecilians and Poison Dart Frogs was opened, and the exhibit will undergo further work in late 2011.

[[File:ChesterZooJaguars.JPG|300px|thumb|alt=Jaguars at Chester Zoo|Jaguars]]

===Realm of the Red Ape===
'''Realm of the Red Ape''' is a [[GBP]]3.5 million extension to the existing orangutan house, home to [[Bornean Orangutan|Bornean]] and [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, and is the most expensive capital project in the zoo's history.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1426575.mostviewed.new_pad_for_the_apes_opens_this_weekend.php |title=New pad for the apes opens this weekend |publisher=''Wirral Globe'' |date=25 May 2007}}</ref> The exhibit opened to the public on 26 May 2007 after a two-year construction period. It comprises a new two-story building linked to the existing orangutan house with three indoor and two outdoor enclosures, providing accommodation for a larger number of apes. The outdoor areas can be viewed from a first floor public gallery and feature mesh roofs supported by tree-like structures which act as climbing frames for the apes. A further enclosure houses a group of four [[lar gibbon]]s. On 29 January 2008, the zoo celebrated the birth of new baby [[Sumatra]]n orangutan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chesterzoo.org/Home/News/February%202008/Mums%20the%20word%20for%20Orang-utan%20Emma.aspx |title=Mum's the word for orang-utan Emma |publisher=www.chesterzoo.org |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref>

Animals and plants from [[Indonesia]] are exhibited inside Realm of the Red Ape in a rainforest-themed setting. Birds on display include the [[Timor Sparrow|Timor sparrow]], [[Zoothera dohertyi|chestnut-backed thrush]], and [[orange-headed thrush]]. The [[Papua monitor|crocodile monitor]], [[reticulated python]], [[Gonyosoma oxycephalum|red-tailed racer]], [[Elaphe carinata|king ratsnake]], [[White's tree frog]], [[emerald tree monitor]] and [[Green Tree Python|green tree python]] feature among the reptiles. Asian Tree Toads and [[Phobaeticus serratipes|giant walking stick]]s and [[Phylliidae|leaf insect]]s complete the lineup.

Located next to Realm of the Red Ape is an enclosure for Europe's first breeding pair of [[Babirusa]] and [[Oriental Small-clawed Otter]]s.

===The Chimpanzee Breeding Centre===
This pavilion was opened in 1989 by [[Diana, Princess of Wales]] (who also used the title [[Earl of Chester|Countess of Chester]]) and is home to 26 [[chimpanzee]]s. This is the largest colony of chimps in Europe, housed in the Roundhouse, a conical indoor enclosure linked to an outside moated island. The island is planted with many bushes and has large poles for the chimps to climb on. The inside area has a climbing frame that allows the chimps to stay close together on several levels of platform. There are seven interconnected off-show dens. Dylan is the current dominant male of the Chester Zoo colony.

[[Image:Aa 2006 05 10 okapis.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The two [[okapi]]s at the zoo]]

===Tsavo Rhino Experience===
The zoo's [[black rhinoceros]] exhibit, modelled on the [[Tsavo]] national park in [[Kenya]], was opened in 2003 at a cost of [[GBP]]2 million. The zoo has a successful rhinoceros breeding programme and currently keeps 10 animals. [[Meerkat]]s are kept in a small enclosure nearby, and the surrounding paddocks are home to [[banded mongoose]] and [[warthog]].

===Fruit Bat Forest===
''Fruit Bat Forest'' is the largest free-flying [[bat]] cave in Europe. The cave holds three species of bat: [[Rodrigues fruit bat]], [[Livingstone's Fruit Bat|Livingstone's fruit bat]] and [[Seba's short-tailed bat]]. It is also home to a varied collection of other species including freshwater fish, [[Madagascar hissing cockroach]]es, [[spiny mouse|Turkish spiny mice]] and [[blind cave fish]].

===Monkey Islands===
'''Monkey Islands''' was opened in 1997, replacing the old monkey house, and is currently home to four monkey species: Colombian black [[spider monkey]]s, [[mandrill]]s, [[lion-tailed macaque]]s and[[Celebes Crested Macaque|Sulawesi crested macaques]]. [[guenon|Campbell's guenons]] and [[Porcupines]] were formerly housed with the mandrills. Visitors enter the monkey house and view the animals from a central corridor. Each species has a glass-fronted indoor enclosure with climbing apparatus and an outdoor enclosure, moated and heavily planted.

===Miniature Monkeys===
'''Miniature Monkeys''', opened in May 2004, consists of two enclosures. The first is home to a pair of [[Black-tailed Marmoset|black-tailed marmosets]] with two male pygmy marmosets, and the second is shared by a family of [[White-headed Marmoset|Geoffroy's marmosets]] and three female Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins. The marmosets have successfully bred on several occasions. [[Azara's Agouti|Azara's agouti]], [[Pied Tamarin|pied tamarins]] and [[Black Lion Tamarin|black lion tamarins]] have also been housed here in the past but have been moved out for various reasons.

===Bears of the Cloud Forest===
'''Bears of the Cloud Forest''' opened in 2004 and is home to a pair of [[Spectacled Bear|spectacled bear]]s and other South American animals. The purpose-built exhibit is designed to mimic the bear's natural habitat by providing trees and a rocky terrain. Sharing the bears' enclosure with them are a non-breeding group of [[Coati|ring-tailed coatis]]. Nearby are paddocks housing [[vicuña]] (wild relatives of the [[llama]]), [[capybara]], [[South American Tapir|Brazilian tapirs]] and [[Rhea (bird)|common rheas]].

[[Guanaco]] were previously housed with the [[rhea]].

===Secret World of the Okapi===
Formerly the camel house, this enclosure was remodelled in 2006 to house [[okapi]]. Initially two males were kept, Dicky arrived from [[Marwell Wildlife]] in 2005 and Mbuti came from [[Bristol Zoo]] in the same year. In 2006 Dicky left for [[London Zoo]] to make way for a female named Stuma from [[Germany]]. In 2009 Mbuti and Dicky were swapped back with Mbuti going to London after failing to breed with Stuma and Dicky coming back to Chester. Other animals that can be seen here include the [[giant pouched rat]], [[dormouse|African dormouse]], several species of [[cichlid]] from Lake Barombi Mbo in [[Cameroon]], [[gaboon viper]], [[Tanzania]]n grass rat, [[Mount Kulal]] spiny mouse and [[Rhabdomys|Mesic four-striped grass mouse]].

[[Image:fountain chester zoo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The fountain and gardens in front of ''Islands in Danger'']]

===Islands in Danger===
This exhibit is primarily a [[herpetarium]] for the zoo's [[Komodo dragon]]s, originating from the [[Lesser Sunda Islands]]. It was opened in 1998 and extended in 2003 to include an outdoor enclosure used by the dragons in the warmer summer months. The exhibit is built on the site of the zoo's former bird house. In 2007 several young baby Komodo dragons were put on display after one of the zoo's two females had a virgin birth through [[parthenogenesis]], the first such case recorded in this species.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6196225.stm |title='Virgin births' for giant lizards |publisher=BBC News |date=2006-12-20 |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref>. The exhibit was revamped in 2009 to house [[Iguana]]s in one section of the building.

'''Islands in Danger''' also houses various [[Indonesia]]n and [[Philippines]] rainforest birds, such as [[Red Bird of Paradise|Red Birds of Paradise]], [[Palawan Peacock-pheasant]]s, [[Pheasant Pigeon]]s and [[Victoria Crowned Pigeon]]s. Recently added was a small group of [[Mindanao Bleeding-heart]]s which have successfully bred. Birds formally kept in the exhibit include [[tarictic hornbill|Visayan Tarictic Hornbill]], [[Socorro Dove]], [[Papuan Lorikeet]] and [[St. Lucia Amazon]].

===Mongoose Mania ===
Located near the [[tiger]]s, this area used to be a petting farm, but was closed due to an outbreak of [[foot-and-mouth disease]]. The petting farm is now a picnic lawn and a former Kune Kune Pig enclosure has been demolished in favour of a food stall.

'''Mongoose Mania''', which houses [[Common Dwarf Mongoose|dwarf mongooses]] features tunnels beneath the enclosure which allow children to crawl through, popping up their heads into plastic domes to give them a mongoose's eye view of the world.

===Giant Otters and Penguins===
In early 2010 the [[Californian Sealion]]s left the collection. Over the late winter the pool was converted to house a new species to the zoo. The [[Giant Otter]]s went on show for the first time on 26 March 2010. The zoo plans to try and breed the species in the near future.

In the neighbouring enclosure a large breeding group of over 40 [[Humboldt Penguin]]s have their own pool, and visitors can watch the birds from an underwater viewing window.

===Tropical Realm===
Chester's '''Tropical Realm''' is Britain's largest tropical house at over 26,000 cubic metres. Opened in 1964, most of the interior is an open-plan space extending to roof level and themed with pools and mature tropical plants, with pathways for visitors through the undergrowth. Here, more than 30 species of birds are free-flying, including [[Nicobar Pigeon]]s, various species of [[starling]]s and ground birds such as [[Crested Wood Partridge|Roul-roul Partridges]].

Aviaries and vivaria are arranged around the sides of the building; those on the upper level were originally designed for [[birds of paradise]]. The aviaries currently house birds such as the [[Great Indian Hornbill]], [[Rhinoceros Hornbill]], two pairs of [[Tarictic Hornbill]] (one pure-bred and one hybrid), [[Writhed-billed Hornbill]], [[Wrinkled Hornbill]], [[Red-crested Turaco]], [[Palawan Peacock-pheasant]], [[Congo Peafowl]], [[Bali Starling]], [[Western Crowned Pigeon|Blue-crowned Pigeon]], [[White-rumped Shama]], [[Montserrat Oriole]] and [[Curassow|Red-billed Curassow]].

The Tropical Realm is also the centre of the reptile collection. The [[crocodile]] pools are currently house Chester's new pair of [[Philippine Crocodile|Philippine crocodile]]s, which arrived in early 2008. Near the entrance is an enclosure for [[tuatara]]. This lizard-like species from [[New Zealand]] is the last surviving [[Sphenodontia|sphenodont]], a prehistoric group of reptiles, and Chester is the only [[UK|British]] zoo to exhibit them. There were many varieties of snake in the past; [[Rhinoceros rat snake]] and Emerald Tee Boa. Lizards include the [[gila monster]]s and [[beaded lizard]]s. [[Dracaena (lizard)|Caiman lizard]]s joined the collection in 2007. Problems heating the reptile enclosures have meant that many species are no longer kept at the zoo, however some of the exhibits have been refurbished for Emerald Tree Boas, and potentially [[Parson's Chameleon]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} [[Garter snakes]] have recently gone on show in the Tropical Realm.

[[Tortoise]]s are represented by the [[Galápagos tortoise|Galápagos]] and [[radiated tortoise|radiated]], along with frogs and insects.

===Europe on the Edge===
This is the zoo's largest aviary, and is one of the biggest in the UK. It was opened in 1993 on the site of the former [[polar bear]] enclosure. It houses a variety of European birds, including the [[European Black Vulture|European Black]] and [[Griffon Vulture]]s and the rarer of the two European storks, the [[Black Stork]]. There are [[spoonbill]]s, [[ibis]] and [[egret]]s as well as a selection of waterfowl. Smaller birds include the [[Rock Dove]], [[Northern Lapwing]], [[Red-legged Partridge]] and the native but rare [[Red-billed Chough]].

===Condor Cliffs===
This aviary was constructed to rehouse the zoo's breeding pair of [[Andean condor]]s, who have since parent-reared a chick for the first time. It is now also home for the [[American black vulture]] from [[South America]] and several species of waterfowl. The aviary is dominated by a large sandstone waterfall, and a fake llama skeleton is used at feeding time. The enclosure is built on the site of the zoo's former [[brown bear]] enclosure.

===Rare Parrot Breeding Centre===
Parrots on display here include [[Blue-eyed Cockatoo]]s, [[Red-vented Cockatoo]]s, [[Palm Cockatoo]]s, [[Short-billed Black Cockatoo]]s, [[Red-and-blue Lory|Red-and-Blue lories]], [[Chattering Lory|Yellow-backed Chattering Lories]], [[Mindanao Lorikeet|Mount Apo Lorikeet]]s and [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw]]s. Most of the birds were moved to the '''Rare Parrot Breeding Centre''' from the old parrot house when it was demolished in 2005 to make way for Realm of the Red Ape.

===Mythical Macaws===
This enclosure consists of several aviaries housing rare and endangered South American parrots and macaws. These include the [[Hyacinth Macaw]], [[Blue-winged Macaw]], [[Blue-throated Macaw]], [[Golden Conure]], [[Golden-capped Parakeet|Golden-capped Conure]], [[Blue-chested Parakeet|Blue-throated Conure]], [[Red-crowned Amazon]] and [[Red-tailed Amazon]]. The first aviary was opened in 2001 and the remainder in 2004. A single [[Azara's Agouti]] also forms part of the exhibit.

===Aquarium===
The [[aquarium]] is a small and traditional building (one of the oldest at the zoo, built by George Mottershead's daughter and son-in-law in the 1950s) housing a varied collection of freshwater and marine fish, aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. It has had notable success breeding [[seahorse]]s and achieved the first captive breeding of the [[Potamotrygon|freshwater motoro stingray]].

Other notable fish include the [[electric eel]], [[African lungfish]], tropical reef fishes and various [[Lake Malawi]] [[cichlid]]s. Amphibians include the [[Surinam toad]], [[Japanese Fire Belly Newt|Japanese fire belly newt]] and [[axolotl]].

===Asian Plains and paddocks===
In 2008, '''Asian Plains''' received its official opening.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/News/May%202008/American%20Entrepreneur%20opens%20the%20Asian%20Plains%20exhibit.aspx |title=Marc Ecko opens Asian Plains exhibit |publisher=www.chesterzoo.org |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> Based around a mixed-species paddock featuring [[blackbuck]] and [[Eld's deer|Burmese brow-antlered deer]], the exhibit has recently been extended to include new enclosures for [[Indian rhinoceros]] and [[cheetah]]. The male rhino was joined by a female in 2008 to form a pair which the zoo hoped would breed. Sadly in November 2009 the male Indian rhino "Patna" was put down due to a longstanding leg injury. The zoo obtained a replacement male from [[Edinburgh Zoo]] in March 2010. Since they were closely related the previous female departed for a zoo in [[Spain]] shortly after, and the zoo are in the progress of creating a breeding situation. The paddocks formerly housed [[barasingha]], [[Ankole cattle]] and [[sitatunga]].

Other paddocks on the west side of the zoo support grazing herds of [[Grevy's zebra]], sitatunga, [[scimitar-horned oryx]], [[gemsbok]], [[Red Lechwe]] and [[Roan Antelope]]. The sitatunga share their paddock with [[ostrich]], and the Red Lechwe and Roan antelope also share an exhibit.

[[Przewalski's horse]]s have recently left the collection to make way for the new [[African hunting dog]] enclosure.

===African Painted Dogs===
In 2011, a new exhibit on the site of the former Przewalski's horse paddock was opened. In the style of an African Research Station, the exhibit has a dry landscape with fake [[kopje]] stones. A pack of seven African Painted Dogs are the main exhibit, however [[Crested Porcupine]]s are nearby. [[Yellow Mongoose]] and [[Rock Hyrax]] are also due to join the display.

===Forest Zone===
The north east area of the zoo is where many forest-dwelling species are kept. As well as the [[chimpanzee]]s, [[okapi]], [[jaguar]] and Tropical Realm, there are enclosures for [[African Forest Buffalo|Congo buffalo]], [[red river hog]]s and endangered [[Visayan warty pig|Negros Island warty pigs]]. Nearby is a large paddock for the zoo's six [[giraffe]]s. [[Golden-bellied capuchin|Buffy-headed capuchins]] are housed near the exit of the Tropical Realm as well as a group of native [[sand lizard]]s.
The empty enclosure formerly housing [[maned wolf|maned wolves]] has been replaced by a heated [[butterfly]] house called '''Butterfly Journey''', which is based around the life cycle of a butterfly, featuring free-flying butterflies, a cabinet of [[cocoon]]s, and an area with [[caterpillar]]s. The exhibit also houses a Parson's Chameleon.

===Big cats===
As well as [[jaguar]]s, Chester Zoo keeps [[lion]]s, [[tiger]]s and [[cheetah]]s <ref name=cheetah>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamleader.co.uk/news/Bank-holiday-is-a-record.4072518.jp |title=Bank Holiday is a record |publisher=Wrexham Leader |date=2008-05-12 |accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> in its [[big cat]] collection. The [[Asiatic Lion|lions]] are the Asiatic [[subspecies]] found only in the [[Gir Forest]] in [[India]] in the wild. The zoo's former resident male Asoka was joined by a female, Asha, from [[Rome]] in 2006. The pair have bred on three occasions, but so far their only offspring to survive has been a male cub, Tejas, born and hand-reared in 2007. His upbringing was featured prominently in the first series of ''[[Chester Zoo#Television documentary|Zoo Days]]''. Tejas left Chester Zoo for [[Besancon]] early in 2008 as part of the European breeding programme for this subspecies. Asoka left the zoo in early 2010, he was moved to [[Rome Zoo]] as part of the European breeding programme. His replacement is 3-year-old Iblis, who arrived from Planckendael Zoo in [[Belgium]].

In 2007, a male [[Sumatran tiger]] called Kepala arrived from [[Dudley Zoo]] to join the two resident female [[Bengal tiger]]s, who left in 2008. The same year, the zoo acquired a female tiger named Kirana, but unfortunately it was discovered that the pair were related. Kepala departed to [[Dublin Zoo]] and a new male named Fabi was brought in to form a breeding pair of Sumatrans, a critically endangered subspecies<ref>{{cite web |title=Sumatran Tiger |work=IUCN Red List |url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/15966/summ |accessdate=2008-03-05 }}</ref> in the wild. The zoo welcomed their first tiger cub in 23 years when Kirana gave birth in the early hours of June 18th, 2011. The as-yet unnamed cub is the first born to Kirana and Fabi.

===Other exhibits===
Other animals exhibited at Chester Zoo include [[Bactrian camel]] and [[onager]] in a large paddock in the centre of the zoo, formerly the zebra exhibit. A paddock which was only visible from the monorail but can now be seen from the Bats' Bridge holds a group of [[Philippine spotted deer]], alongside Negros Island Warty Pigs next door.

Bordering the paddocks is a waterway running north-south along which the water bus travels, past island groups of [[Black-and-white ruffed lemur]]s, [[Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur|Alaotran gentle lemur]]s, [[red ruffed lemur]]s and a young male [[anoa]]. [[Cottontop tamarin]]s were formerly housed on the gentle lemur island.

In the southeast corner of the zoo are enclosures housing an assortment of animals including [[Bongo (antelope)|bongo]]s, Yellow Mongooses, [[bush dog]]s, [[red panda]]s, [[Serval]]s, [[western grey kangaroo]]s, [[Southern Cassowary|southern cassowaries]] [[red-crowned crane]]s and [[golden pheasant]].

Near the Rare Parrot Breeding Centre is an aviary currently housing [[Spectacled Owl|spectacled owl]]s and formerly home to macaws and [[kea]]s the remainder of the zoo’s [[owl]] collection are seen nearby. The owl aviaries were recently modified.

Aviaries for [[snowy owl]]s, [[Rhinoceros Hornbill|rhinoceros hornbill]]s and [[Mauritius kestrel]]s are located behind the Children's Fun Ark. Flocks of [[Chilean flamingo|Chilean]] and [[Caribbean flamingo]]s live in shallow water alongside a large island housing a group of [[ring-tailed lemur]]s. New indoor accommodation for the flamingos was completed in 2007. [[Pelican]]s, [[stork]]s, [[Crane (bird)|crane]]s and a variety of [[waterfowl]] are housed in large pens alongside Tsavo.

==Future developments==
In January 2009, Chester Zoo unveiled an ambitious £225 million plan that will see it transformed into the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe.
The project – given the working title ''Natural Vision'' – will involve a £90 million first phase which will include the only domed ecosystem in the United Kingdom.
Called ‘Heart of Africa’, the bio-dome will be an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of [[gorilla]]s, a large troop of chimpanzees, okapi (rare giraffe-like creatures), and a wide variety of tropical birds, [[amphibian]]s, [[reptile]]s, [[fish]]es and [[invertebrate]]s, moving freely among lush vegetation.
The first phase – planning permission for which will be sought later this year (2009) – will also include a 90-bed hotel, a conservation college, a key element of which is the ‘Futures’ education centre, and a revamped main entrance linking to a marina development on zoo land beside the [[Shropshire Union Canal]].
The rest of the Natural Vision project will be completed by 2018, thus creating one of the largest wildlife attractions in the world and providing a major boost to the [[North West England|Northwest]] economy. This will showcase and financially support the zoo’s national and international conservation work, which already spans 50 countries.
The zoo currently occupies 50 hectares of land but owns a further 200. The completed Natural Vision project will cover 80 hectares including new access roads and parking.
The project is the culmination of years of planning and design and is being carried out in conjunction with a number of agencies, notably including the [[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] (NWDA) which has provided funding to enable the project to progress to the planning stage.
Realm of the Red Ape (expansion of the orangutan exhibit, opened May 2007) and Beginnings (redevelopment of the main entrance, opened Easter 2007) both form part of the "Natural Vision" project.

== Membership and adoption ==
The zoo has a scheme whereby people can adopt an animal of their choice, they are also given two complimentary tickets to allow them to visit the animals. They can also become members which allows them to visit Chester and a range of other zoos across [[England]] free of charge for a year. Every three months, members and adopters receive ''Z'' magazine, which provides updates and information about what is happening at the zoo.

== Television documentary ==
During summer 2007, television crews from [[Granada Television|Granada]] filmed at Chester for the documentary series ''Zoo Days'', a behind the scenes look at the day-to-day running of the zoo, narrated by [[Jane Horrocks]]. British broadcast rights were sold to [[Five (channel)|Five]] and the first 20-part series began airing on British terrestrial TV on 8 October 2007, transmitting on weekday evenings in a regular 6:30pm slot. A second 20-part series of ''Zoo Days'' was swiftly commissioned and began airing on 3 March 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Zoo Days returns to the small screen | work = Chester Zoo website | url=http://chesterzoo.org/Home/News/Zoo%20Days.aspx | accessdate = 2008-03-05 }}</ref> The third 20-part series was broadcast from [[Colchester Zoo]], before returning to Chester for the fourth 20-part series on 10 November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/News/October%202008/Zoo%20Days%20Series%20Three.aspx|title=Zoo Days Series Three}}</ref>

In February 2009, "The History Of Chester Zoo" was a contestant's chosen subject on ''[[Mastermind (TV series)|Mastermind]]''.

==Images==
<gallery>
Image:Aa chesterzoo batsbridge 00.jpg|New bridge over Flag Lane
Image:Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) -Chester Zoo-4.jpg|Female [[Rhinoceros Hornbill]] at Chester Zoo
Image:Aa chesterzoo scimitarhornedoryx 00.jpg|[[Scimitar-horned oryx]]es
Image:Aa chesterzoo cleaning up after the elephants 00.jpg‎|Cleaning up elephant dung
Image:Aa chesterzoo elephants 00.jpg‎|Asian [[elephant]]s
Image:Aa chesterzoo sitatunga 00.jpg|[[Sitatunga]]s
Image:Aa chesterzoo bluecranes 00.jpg‎|[[Blue crane]]s
Image:Aa chesterozoo flamingos 00.jpg|[[Flamingo]]s
File:Aa 2006 05 10 train closeup.jpg|The [[monorail]]
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Chester Zoo}}
* [http://www.chesterzoo.org/ Chester Zoo Website]
* [http://www.chesterzoo.org.uk/ Chester Zoo Fans Website]
* [http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm Goodzoos Website]
* [http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/ rECOrd (Local Biological Records Centre for Cheshire)]

{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Animal charities based in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Chester]]

[[cy:Sw Caer]]
[[id:Kebun Binatang Chester]]
[[pt:Zoológico de Chester]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:54:53Z

2.26.250.49: /* Present-day */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the [[First World War]], except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was ''"The Battle of the Marne"''; in 1916 it was ''"The War in Flanders"'', during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the ''"fighting"''.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was ''"Air Raid on London"''.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of [[Robin Hood]] and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from [[Blackpool]] was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called [[Noah's Ark]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–68 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, [[Denmark|Danish-born]] Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by [[Norman Barrett (ringmaster)|Norman Barrett]], the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullen's Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway|speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built [[greyhound]] racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, rugby league ([[Belle Vue Rangers]]), baseball, car racing and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City's]] [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:53:19Z

2.26.250.49: /* Football */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the [[First World War]], except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was ''"The Battle of the Marne"''; in 1916 it was ''"The War in Flanders"'', during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the ''"fighting"''.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was ''"Air Raid on London"''.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of [[Robin Hood]] and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from [[Blackpool]] was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called [[Noah's Ark]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–68 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, [[Denmark|Danish-born]] Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by [[Norman Barrett (ringmaster)|Norman Barrett]], the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullen's Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway|speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built [[greyhound]] racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, rugby league ([[Belle Vue Rangers]]), baseball, car racing and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City's]] [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:49:21Z

2.26.250.49: /* Speedway */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the [[First World War]], except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was ''"The Battle of the Marne"''; in 1916 it was ''"The War in Flanders"'', during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the ''"fighting"''.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was ''"Air Raid on London"''.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of [[Robin Hood]] and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from [[Blackpool]] was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called [[Noah's Ark]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–68 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, [[Denmark|Danish-born]] Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by [[Norman Barrett (ringmaster)|Norman Barrett]], the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullen's Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway|speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built [[greyhound]] racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, rugby league ([[Belle Vue Rangers]]), baseball, car racing and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:45:10Z

2.26.250.49: /* Circus */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the [[First World War]], except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was ''"The Battle of the Marne"''; in 1916 it was ''"The War in Flanders"'', during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the ''"fighting"''.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was ''"Air Raid on London"''.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of [[Robin Hood]] and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from [[Blackpool]] was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called [[Noah's Ark]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–68 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, [[Denmark|Danish-born]] Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by [[Norman Barrett (ringmaster)|Norman Barrett]], the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullen's Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:43:30Z

2.26.250.49: /* Circus */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the [[First World War]], except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was ''"The Battle of the Marne"''; in 1916 it was ''"The War in Flanders"'', during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the ''"fighting"''.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was ''"Air Raid on London"''.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of [[Robin Hood]] and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from [[Blackpool]] was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called [[Noah's Ark]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–68 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, [[Denmark|Danish-born]] Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by [[Norman Barrett]], the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullen's Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:36:37Z

2.26.250.49: /* Firework displays */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the [[First World War]], except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was ''"The Battle of the Marne"''; in 1916 it was ''"The War in Flanders"'', during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the ''"fighting"''.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was ''"Air Raid on London"''.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of [[Robin Hood]] and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:33:54Z

2.26.250.49: /* Catering */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00am and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. ''"One shilling tea rooms"'', close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public house|pubs]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:30:52Z

2.26.250.49: /* Kings Hall */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop|Glossop School Band]], who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the Hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:29:24Z

2.26.250.49: /* Kings Hall */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop]] School Band, who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:28:07Z

2.26.250.49: /* Kings Hall */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the [[Glossop School]] Band, who were taking part in the North West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the Hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the [[North West Amateur Brass Band Championship]], on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:25:40Z

2.26.250.49: /* Kings Hall */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:23:45Z

2.26.250.49: /* Music and dancing */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill|Cheetham Hill Brass Band]]. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:22:23Z

2.26.250.49: /* Music and dancing */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Cheetham Hill]] Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:21:58Z

2.26.250.49: /* Music and dancing */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the [[Longsight]] entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille and the [[Chetham Hill]] Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:15:44Z

2.26.250.49: /* Gardens and amusement park */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the ''Great Liberal Demonstration'' of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:15:05Z

2.26.250.49: /* Gardens and amusement park */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns" and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and [[crocodile]]s as well as flowers. At the end of the [[19th century]], ''"the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens"'', but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the [[Great Liberal Demonstration]] of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which [[loudspeaker]]s were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the [[Blackshirt]]s, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that ''"perhaps the [[Ku Klux Klan]] will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not [[catholic]]"''.<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob (shilling/5p)]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from [[USA|America]]. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], [[London]], allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T10:00:34Z

2.26.250.49: /* Zoo */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of Gerald Iles as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T09:58:56Z

2.26.250.49: /* Zoo */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T09:58:05Z

2.26.250.49: /* Zoo */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from [[Wombwell]]'s Menagerie No.1 in [[Edinburgh]]. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from [[pneumonia]] in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in [[London]]. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a [[smoking jacket]] and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the [[First World War]], but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with [[poison gas]] were acquired, as was a [[hippo]], a [[dromedary]] and a [[zebra]]. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of [[World War II|war]] in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of [[millett]]), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull [[bison]].<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and [[heart failure]]. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T09:43:52Z

2.26.250.49: /* Changes in ownership */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T09:43:21Z

2.26.250.49: /* Changes in ownership */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr,(John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-24T09:42:36Z

2.26.250.49: /* Changes in ownership */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], England, opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the United Kingdom.

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early 20th century to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late 19th century hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside London, but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an Italian Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 elephants, lions, and other exotic African animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10 [[shilling]]s for a family and 5 shillings for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first railway station was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that "roughs" in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them. There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d, rising to 6d in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-23T21:25:19Z

2.26.250.49: /* Expansion */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], [[England]], opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the [[United Kingdom]].

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early [[20th century]] to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late-[[19th century]] hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside [[London]], but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an [[Italy|Italian]] Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 [[elephant]]s, [[lion]]s, and other exotic [[Africa]]n animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10[[shilling|s (50p)]] for a family and 5/- (25p) for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first [[railway station]] was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that {{"'}}roughs' in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them". There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d (2p), rising to 6d (2½p) in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[Penny (British pre-decimal coin)|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer, and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp, and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-23T21:21:41Z

2.26.250.49: /* Commercial history */

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], [[England]], opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the [[United Kingdom]].

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early [[20th century]] to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late-[[19th century]] hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside [[London]], but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road (England)|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an [[Italy|Italian]] Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 [[elephant]]s, [[lion]]s, and other exotic [[Africa]]n animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10[[shilling|s (50p)]] for a family and 5/- (25p) for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first [[railway station]] was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that {{"'}}roughs' in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them". There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d (2p), rising to 6d (2½p) in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[penny|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer, and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp, and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-23T21:16:41Z

2.26.250.49:

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], [[England]], opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the [[United Kingdom]].

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early [[20th century]] to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[the Who]], [[the Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late-[[19th century]] hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside [[London]], but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an [[Italy|Italian]] Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 [[elephant]]s, [[lion]]s, and other exotic [[Africa]]n animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10[[shilling|s (50p)]] for a family and 5/- (25p) for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first [[railway station]] was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that {{"'}}roughs' in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them". There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d (2p), rising to 6d (2½p) in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[penny|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer, and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp, and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-23T21:11:58Z

2.26.250.49:

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], [[England]], opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the [[United Kingdom]].

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early [[20th century]] to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The King's Hall, opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late-[[19th century]] hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside [[London]], but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an [[Italy|Italian]] Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 [[elephant]]s, [[lion]]s, and other exotic [[Africa]]n animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10[[shilling|s (50p)]] for a family and 5/- (25p) for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first [[railway station]] was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that {{"'}}roughs' in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them". There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d (2p), rising to 6d (2½p) in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[penny|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer, and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp, and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Belle Vue Zoological Gardens

2011-06-23T21:09:01Z

2.26.250.49:

{{For|other meanings of the term|Belle Vue (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens
|logo=
|logo_width=
|logo_caption=
|image=Belle-Vue--main-entrance.jpg
|image_width= 200px
|image_caption=Main entrance on Hyde Road, rebuilt in 1957<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP125>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=125}}</ref>
|date_opened=June 1836
|date_closed='''Zoo:''' 11 September 1977 '''Amusement park:''' 26 October 1980 '''Gardens:''' February 1982 '''Exhibition halls:''' October 1987 '''Speedway:''' November 1987
|location=[[Gorton]], [[Manchester]], England
|area=
|coordinates={{Coord|53|27|49|N|2|11|15|W}}
|num_animals=
|num_species=
|members=
|exhibits=
|website=
}}
'''Belle Vue Zoological Gardens''' was a large [[zoo]], [[amusement park]], exhibition hall complex and [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] stadium in [[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue (Gorton)]], [[Manchester]], [[England]], opened in 1836. The brainchild of John Jennison, the gardens were initially intended to be an entertainment for the genteel [[middle class]]es, with formal gardens and dancing on open-air platforms during the summer, but they soon became one of the most popular attractions in [[Northern England]]. Before moving to Belle Vue, Jennison, part-time gardener, had run a small aviary at his home: the beginnings of the zoo which over the years grew to become the third-largest in the [[United Kingdom]].

Jennison set out a small amusements area in Belle Vue during the 1870s, which was expanded in the early [[20th century]] to become what was advertised as the "showground of the world".<ref name=CroninRhodesP17>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=17}}</ref> Popular rides included the {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|adj=on}} Bobs' [[rollercoaster]] and the Scenic Railway. Other entertainments included grand firework displays from 1852 and an annual Christmas circus from 1922. Music and dancing were popular attractions in Belle Vue's various ballrooms. The [[Kings Hall]], opened in 1910, housed [[The Hallé|the Hallé Orchestra]] for several years and also hosted concerts by artists such as [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Leonard Cohen]], [[Johnny Cash]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].

Catering for visitors at Belle Vue was on an industrial scale, ranging from the late-[[19th century]] hot water rooms, which accommodated up to 3,000 diners each, providing crockery and hot water for those who brought their own picnics, to more upmarket themed restaurants. Belle Vue became a part of the caterer and hotelier [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]]'s business empire towards the end of its life in the 1960s. Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities. The Kings Hall was then the largest exhibition space outside [[London]], but competition from the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in [[Manchester city centre|central Manchester]] led directly to its closure in 1987.

At its peak, Belle Vue occupied {{convert|165|acre|km2}} and attracted over two million visitors a year,<ref name="CroninRhodesP8"/> up to 250,000 of whom visited over the [[Easter]] weekend.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=5}}</ref> The zoo closed in September 1977 after its owners decided they could no longer afford its losses of £100,000 a year. The amusement park remained open on summer weekends until 1980. The land was sold in 1982, and the site finally cleared in 1987. All that remains of Belle Vue today is a [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound racing stadium]] and a [[snooker]] hall built in the stadium's car park.

==Commercial history==
Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was the brainchild of [[entrepreneur]] and part-time gardener John Jennison.<ref name="Hylton 118-9">{{harvnb|Hylton|2003|pp=118–119}}</ref> He opened the grounds around his home in [[Adswood]], [[Stockport]]<ref name="Nicholls 3">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=3}}</ref> to the public in 1826, from where he and his wife Maria sold fruit and vegetables. He called his establishment the "Strawberry Gardens", later "Jennison's Gardens". Manchester's increasing urban population encouraged the development of a thriving leisure industry, and public parks were popular.<ref>{{harvnb|Kidd|2006|p=46}}</ref> In 1828 or '29, Jennison purchased an adjacent {{convert|0.5|acre}} of land on which he and his wife built an [[aviary]], to which they charged admission; its first occupant was a captured [[thrush (bird)|thrush]].<ref name="Nicholls 3"/> Jennison turned his home into a [[public house]], the ''Adam and Eve'', which he and his wife ran together.<ref name="Hylton 118-9"/>


In 1835 Jennison was approached by businessman George Gill, who suggested that he lease Belle Vue – a public house in {{convert|35.75|acre}} of open land between Kirkmanshulme Lane and [[A57 road|Hyde Road]] – as a more suitable site for his aviary.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=3–4}}</ref> Jennison took out a [[mortgage]] of £300 to pay off the £80 mortgage on the Strawberry Gardens and spent the remainder on a trial six-month lease of the Belle Vue property, in June 1836. In December, Jennison signed a 99-year lease at a rent of £135 per annum. For an extra £100 a year, he leased additional land to extend the western boundary to Redgate Lane, close to [[A6 road|Stockport Road]], where he made a second entrance. To finance further expansion, Jennison re-mortgaged the site for £800.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=4–5}}</ref>

Except for their belongings, which fitted on a handcart, all the Jennisons took with them to Belle Vue was two or three birdcages containing [[parrot]]s and other assorted birds.<ref name=NichollsP5/> At its opening in 1836, Belle Vue contained an [[Italy|Italian]] Garden, lakes, mazes and hothouses, as well as the aviary.<ref name=ParksAndGardens>{{citation |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England |url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,description/Itemid,292/ |publisher=Parks and Gardens UK |accessdate=22 July 2010}}</ref> The family decided that their zoological collection had to be expanded as a matter of priority,<ref name=NichollsP5>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=5}}</ref> and by 1839 [[elephant]]s, [[lion]]s, and other exotic [[Africa]]n animals had been added.<ref name=MayerP180>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|p=180}}</ref> Many other attractions were subsequently added, including a racecourse in 1847.<ref name=ParksAndGardens/> The gardens were an immediate success, but the neighbouring St James's Church was offended that they were open on Sundays, and asked Jennison to close while services were being conducted; he "politely but firmly refused".<ref name=VueFromThePast>{{citation |title=Vue from the past |date=7 April 2008 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref>

Admission to the gardens, which were open until 9 pm during the summer, was by subscription ticket priced at 10[[shilling|s (50p)]] for a family and 5/- (25p) for an individual, beyond the means of most workers. Concerts of "genteel music" were staged, and there was dancing to various bands on a large open-air wooden platform. Initially, the only public transport to Belle Vue was by horse-drawn [[Bus|omnibus]] from what is now [[Piccadilly Gardens|Piccadilly]], in central Manchester, but the last departure time of 6:00 pm coincided with the end of most workers' shifts. The first [[railway station]] was opened near Belle Vue in 1842, allowing workers easier access to the gardens and their attractions, and by 1848 complaints began to appear in the press that {{"'}}roughs' in coarse attire were embarrassing [[middle class]] ladies on the dancing platform by attempting to dance with them". There were also complaints about [[working class]] men dancing together, and increasing resentment from working class patrons about Belle Vue's "forbidding dress requirements, its restricted opening hours, [and] its unwelcoming admission price". In the words of historian David Mayer, Jennison was facing a crisis: "either keep Belle Vue Gardens an exclusive, class-specific, genteel preserve for the [[gentry]] and the middle class{{ndash}} who would arrive and depart in their own carriages through the Hyde Road gate{{ndash}} or open the gardens to a popular crowd who would arrive by train at the Stockport Road ([[Longsight]]) gate". For a time, Jennison sent carriages to the railway station to collect the [[first class]] passengers, but he also abandoned the idea of subscription tickets, settling instead on a general admission price of 4d (2p), rising to 6d (2½p) in 1851.<ref name=MayerPP180-181>{{Harvnb|Mayer|1992|pp=180–181}}</ref>

===Financial difficulties===
Although the gardens thrived in their early years, by 1842 Jennison was in financial difficulties, and on 13 December [[bankruptcy]] proceedings were initiated. Jennison's problems were caused by his failure to sell the Strawberry Gardens property, competition from the recently opened [[Manchester Zoological Gardens]], and the [[Manchester and Birmingham Railway]] track cut through the land Jennison had leased in December 1836, restricting access to the gardens. Jennison twice tried unsuccessfully to sell Belle Vue, after which his creditors allowed him time to make a success of the gardens;<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP3>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=3}}</ref> by the end of the 1843 season, Jennison was able to repay his debts.<ref name="Np7"/> The railway that had been a thorn in Jennison's side eventually proved to be an asset, as [[Longsight railway station]] was re-sited closer to Belle Vue in 1842, making it easier for visitors to reach the gardens.

===Expansion===
An additional {{convert|13|acre}} of farmland at the western end of the site was incorporated into the gardens in 1843. One of the ponds was enlarged to form a boating lake, which later became the Firework Lake. An island was created in the middle of the lake, which housed a natural history museum. In 1858 another {{convert|8|acre}} were leased, in the triangle between Kirkmanshulme Lane and Hyde Road, from which clay was extracted to make bricks for the gardens' buildings. The result of the excavations was a large hole that Jennison filled with water, creating the Great Lake in 1858.<ref name=CroninRhodesP21>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=21}}</ref> Two paddle steamers, the ''Little Eastern'' and the ''Little Britain'', each capable of accommodating 100 passengers, offered trips around the lake for [[penny|1d]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP22>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=22}}</ref> By 1905 Belle Vue consisted of {{convert|68|acre}} of walled gardens, with an additional {{convert|97|acre}} outside its walls.<ref name=CroninRhodesP7>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=7}}</ref>

===War years===
During the [[First World War]], the gardens were used by the [[Manchester Regiment]] for drilling, and a munitions factory complete with railway sidings, was built.<ref name="Nicholspp28-29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=28–29}}</ref>

At the start of the [[Second World War]] the gardens were closed at noon following [[Neville Chamberlain#Declaration of war|Neville Chamberlain's radio broadcast]] announcing that Britain was at war with [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] on Sunday, 3 September 1939, forcing the cancellation of an "open rehearsal" by the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. The nation's armed forces immediately [[Wiktionary:sequester|sequester]]ed the Exhibition Hall, the restaurants and most of the top floor of the administrative offices. They also took over the sports ground to use as a [[barrage balloon]] base, and dug several [[air raid shelter]]s.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The gardens were allowed to re-open on 15 September 1939, and remained open throughout the rest of war,<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> although parts of the site were requisitioned by Manchester Corporation and converted into [[Allotment (gardening)|allotment]]s.<ref name="Nicholsp45"/>

Although the Second World War forced the cancellation of many events, and made it difficult to feed all the zoo's animals, it was nevertheless very lucrative for the gardens. Profits steadily increased, and the company made several compensation claims for the requisitioning of its facilities. It was granted £4,000 in 1941 and £7,242 in 1942; in gratitude for the latter, the company presented the [[Civil Defence Service]] with a new mobile canteen.<ref name="Nicholsp45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=45}}</ref>

===Changes in ownership===
The Jennisons had been considering setting up a [[limited company]] to administer the gardens since 1895. Most were in agreement except for Richard, John Jennison Snr's youngest son. After his death in 1919, the remaining family members created John Jennison & Co Ltd with a capital of £253,000, comprising investments and loans totalling £63,000. George Jennison became chairman, secretary, treasurer, and joint managing director with John Jennison Jnr, (John Jennison Snr's great-grandson). John, William, Angelo and Richard Jennison Jnr were appointed to the board of directors which was reported to be a "very happy board with few meetings and an entire absence of quarrels".<ref name="Nicholspp29">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=29}}</ref>

On 27 November 1924 the Jennisons agreed to sell Belle Vue for £250,000 to Harry George Skipp, but he was acting as an intermediary, and on 6 March 1925 a further contract was signed by the Jennisons, Skipp, and a new company called Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The agreement was for the new company to take over from 1 January 1925, but the transfer did not take place until 28 March. Under the new managing director, John Henry Iles, the gardens expanded to include what became a world-famous [[amusement park]].<ref name="BVSp30">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=30}}</ref>

===Later years===
Belle Vue enjoyed a brief post-war boom between the end of the Second World War and the early 1950s. During the early 1960s, it could still attract 150,000 visitors on [[Easter Monday]], but by the end of the decade that figure had dropped to about 30,000, as the competition from rival amusement parks increased.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=8}}</ref> Sir Leslie Joseph and [[Charles Forte, Baron Forte|Charles Forte]] bought Belle Vue in 1956, but by 1963 Forte was in sole control.<ref name=CroninRhodesP8/> Although he made some improvements to the zoo, Forte's interests lay in developing the gardens' dining and exhibition facilities.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/> Fire became an "ever present hazard" during Belle Vue's later years. The most devastating occurred in 1958 and destroyed many buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom.<ref name=CroninRhodesP125>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=125}}</ref> Although the zoo was spared, the fire almost reached the lion house, distressing one of the older lionesses so much that she had to be shot.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP45>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=45}}</ref> Vandalism and theft also became serious and recurring problems; intruders killed 38 of the zoo's birds, including 9 penguins, in 1960.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP22>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=22}}</ref>

==Zoo==
[[File:BelleVueGuide1906.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Cover of the official guidebook for the 1906 season]]
Belle Vue was the first privately funded zoo in England,<ref>{{Harvnb|Schomberg|1957|p=64}}</ref> and grew to become the third-largest in the UK.<ref name=BBCRendevous>{{citation |title=Belle Vue Rendezvous |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 July 2010}}</ref> Jennison's original idea was that the gardens should be primarily a botanical excursion, but it became clear that the public was interested in the animals as an attraction in their own right. The initial collection had consisted of domestic birds and a few exotic parrots, but Jennison probably also acquired those animals that could not be sold after the Manchester Zoological Gardens closed in 1842.<ref name="Np7">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=7}}</ref> By 1856, the Jennisons had added [[kangaroos]], [[Rhinoceros|rhino]]s, [[lion]]s, [[bear]]s and [[gazelle]]s.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=11}}</ref>

In 1871 the zoo acquired four [[giraffe]]s, and the following year an elephant, Maharajah, was bought for £680 from Wombwell's Menagerie No.1 in Edinburgh. The plan to transport Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester by train was abandoned after the elephant destroyed the railway compartment in which he was to travel.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP11 /> It was therefore decided that Maharajah and his trainer, Lorenzo Lawrence, should walk to Manchester, a journey they completed in 10 days, with little incident.{{#tag:ref|There was a story of an incident on the walk where it seems there was an argument at a [[tollgate]]. The crux of the argument was the question of what was the appropriate charge for the elephant when there was no entry for elephants on the toll rates chart. Maharajah's answer to the problem was to lift the gate off its hinges. Although the incident is probably apocryphal, it was the subject of a painting called "The Disputed Toll" by [[Heywood Hardy]],<ref name=DisputedToll/> and a book entitled ''The Elephant Who Walked to Manchester''.<ref>{{citation |title=The Moth, the Mummy and Maharajah |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref name=DisputedToll>{{citation |url=http://shop.manchestergalleries.org/products/name/the-disputed-toll-heywood-hardy/product_id/mag5012?size=0&start=9|title=The Disputed Toll, Heywood Hardy|last=Hardy|first=Heywood|publisher=Manchester Art Gallery|accessdate=12 January 2010}}</ref> Lorenzo became the zoo's head elephant keeper, and stayed at Belle Vue for over 40 years.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=82}}</ref> Maharajah provided elephant rides to the public for ten years, until his death from pneumonia in 1882. His skeleton was preserved and added to the gardens' natural history museum.<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=23}}</ref> When the museum was decommissioned in 1941, the skeleton, along with other exhibits, was transferred to the [[Manchester Museum]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=38}}</ref>

[[File:Consul-the-chimp.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Consul, from his 1894 obituary|alt=photograph]]
In 1893 a [[chimpanzee]] was purchased from another of Wombwell's Travelling Menageries in London. The four-year old chimpanzee, Consul, was dressed in a smoking jacket and cap and puffed on a [[Smoking pipe (tobacco)#Corncob|cob pipe]]; he frequently accompanied James Jennison to business meetings. Consul proved to be exceptionally popular, and after his death on 24 November 1894,{{#tag:ref|An obituary was printed for Consul, to which Ben Brierley contributed this poem:{{quote| "Hadst thou a soul?" I've pondered o'er thy fate Full many a time ... Thou hadst ways In many things like ours. Then who says Thou'rt not immortal? ... 'Tis God alone who knows where the "Missing Link" Is hidden from our sight; but, on the brink Of that Eternal line where we must part For ever, sundering heart from heart The truth shall be revealed ...<ref>{{Harvnb|Walker|Shipman|2005|pp=2–3}}</ref>}}|group="nb"}} the Jennisons immediately obtained a replacement, Consul II, who played a violin while riding a tricycle around the gardens, later graduating to a bicycle.<ref name="Npp22-24">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=22–24}}</ref>

Food for the animals became difficult to obtain during the First World War, but for the most part the gardens carried on as usual. Following the declaration of peace, several monkeys originally destined for government experiments with poison gas were acquired, as was a hippo, a [[dromedary]] and a zebra. In 1921 and 1922 the zoo obtained two animals who became great favourites. Lil, an [[Indian elephant]], arrived in 1921 accompanied by her [[British Malaya]]n handler, Phil Fernandez. Phil and Lil provided entertainment, advertising, and elephant rides for 35 years. Frank, a [[brown bear]], arrived in 1922. By the time of his death, 40 years later, he was known as the "Father of the Zoo".<ref name="Nicholspp29"/>

Open-air cages installed in the Monkey House resulted in a drastic improvement in the life expectancy of its residents,<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> but the potential for expansion and improvement after the First World War was limited by the post-war economy. Rising labour costs and minimal profits resulted in the gardens' increasing dilapidation.<ref name="Nicholspp29"/> The zoo began to be neglected after the sale of Belle Vue in 1925, but it was rejuvenated by the appointment of [[Gerald Iles]] as zoo superintendent in 1933. A new Gibbon Cage and Monkey Mountain were created and the Reptile House was extended.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18">{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12, 18}}</ref>

On the outbreak of war in 1939, the animal keepers were issued with rifles to deal with any dangerous animals who might escape if the gardens were bombed. A night shift was introduced to watch over the animals 24 hours a day. A list of dangerous animals that was drawn up included 13 lions, 6 tigers, 2 leopards, 1 cheetah, 2 [[Tiglon|tigon]]s, 3 other small cats, and several bears. Although the zoo's administrators succeeded in convincing the local authorities that any danger from the animals was minimal, primarily because the perimeter walls were so high, the keepers were replaced in their sharp-shooting role by soldiers who patrolled the grounds armed with [[Thompson submachine gun|tommy guns]].<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Stocks were increased by animals transferred from other zoos that had been forced to close. Initially the zoo was given favourable food rationing quotas, but certain foods became unavailable and the price of others increased dramatically.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> Bananas were impossible to obtain and the supply of fish was problematic. As a result, the keepers were forced to experiment. The [[Sea lion|sealions]] became casualties of the food shortage when their keepers attempted to feed them strips of beef soaked in [[cod liver oil]]. Although they seemed to thrive on this diet, their digestive systems were unable to cope with the unusual food, and they eventually died of stomach ulcers. The lions' new diet was green-coloured horsemeat, and the monkeys were fed on boiled potatoes. The [[birds of paradise]], (lack of millett), and the [[penguins]], (lack of fish), were unable to adapt to their make-do diet and also succumbed. Vegetables were not in short supply however, as the garden staff grew lettuce, cabbage, and carrots in the kitchen gardens.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Wartime interruptions in the supply of gas for heating resulted in the deaths of all the zoo's tropical fish and several other animals, including a lioness called Pearl and her litter of cubs.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45"/> Although Manchester was heavily bombed during the [[Manchester Blitz|Blitz]], the gardens sustained only minor damage. The Scenic Railway was hit by an [[incendiary bomb]] and the Reptile House was damaged by shell splinters from [[ack-ack gun]]s, which also caused the death of a bull bison.<ref name="Nicholspp44-45">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=44–45}}</ref>

Iles remained as superintendent until 1957, and proved to be a good publicist for the zoo, taking part in radio and television programmes such as ''[[Children's Hour]]''.<ref name="Stackhouse 2005 12, 18"/> A new attraction was introduced in 1963, a Chimps' Tea Party, which proved to be very popular. The zoo's last superintendent, Peter Grayson, took over in 1971, but by then the owners of Belle Vue had lost interest in the zoo, and closure seemed imminent.<ref name=StackhouseHyams|2005>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=12–13}}</ref>

News that Belle Vue Zoological Gardens would close on 11 September 1977 was announced on BBC Radio at 10:00 am on 4 August 1977. The 24 keepers were informed an hour before the news report went on air. The reason given was that the company could no longer afford to cover losses of about £100,000 per year. Shortly before the closure, a number of non-poisonous reptiles were stolen from the Reptile House, only one of which, a {{convert|10|ft|adj=on}} [[Pythonidae|python]], was recovered.<ref name="BVSp74">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=74}}</ref>

A 15-year-old elephant, Ellie May, had acquired an undeserved reputation for being dangerous, which made her extremely difficult to sell. Her food costs became difficult to justify, but Grayson refused to have her put down. Although he left the zoo in January 1978, Grayson returned frequently to care for Ellie May, the last animal left at the zoo. Eventually [[Diergaarde Blijdorp|Rotterdam Zoo]] agreed to take her, and plans were made to transport the elephant to the [[Netherlands]]. Ellie May refused to budge however, and overnight developed [[pneumonia]] and heart failure. Grayson and veterinary surgeon, [[David Taylor (veterinarian)|David Taylor]], felt that she would not recover, and decided to call in a marksman to [[euthanasia|euthanise]] her.<ref name="BVSp75">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=75}}</ref>

Public reaction to the zoo's closure was one of "relative indifference", with only a few minor protests. The doors remained open to visitors at a discounted admission price until early November, a little beyond the official closing date, by which time most of the animals had been sold for an estimated £100,000.<ref name="BVSp74" />

==Gardens and amusement park==
[[File:Belle vue plan 1892.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Plan of the gardens from the official guide published for the 1892 season]]
Under the Jennisons, the main priorities for Belle Vue were the zoological and botanical gardens; amusements were provided merely as a distraction. The Jennisons laid out formal gardens in various styles between 1836 and 1898, including mazes, grottoes, an Italian garden, "billiard-table lawns", and constructed Tropical Plant Houses.<ref name="PandG">{{citation|url=http://www.parksandgardens.ac.uk/component/option,com_parksandgardens/task,site/id,5027/tab,history/Itemid,292/ |title= Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, Manchester, England History| publisher= Parks and Gardens UK|accessdate=2010-07-20 }}</ref> There were also exotic constructions like the Indian temple and grotto, designed by George Danson, Belle Vue's scenic artist. Built to resemble a ruined temple, it housed snakes and crocodiles as well as flowers. At the end of the 19th century, "the resort relied almost entirely for its attraction on its delightful gardens", but by 1931 the formalism had entirely disappeared.<ref name=CroninRhodesP20>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=20}}</ref> The gardens were also used to stage large political rallies for a wide spectrum of opinion, such as the Great Liberal Demonstration of 1924, at which [[David Lloyd George|Lloyd George]] addressed a crowd of 50,000, the first political meeting at which loudspeakers were used.<ref name=PussardP118>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|p=118}}</ref> The [[British Union of Fascists]], popularly known as the Blackshirts, also held a meeting there, in September 1934. One contemporary commentator observed that "perhaps the Ku Klux Klan will be found in session there one day, for Belle Vue is nothing if not catholic".<ref name=PussardPP119-120>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2003|pp=119–120}}</ref>

The Jennisons set out a small amusements area near the main entrance to the gardens in Hyde Road during the 1870s,<ref name=CroninRhodesP49>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=49}}</ref> comprising steam-driven attractions such as the Ocean Wave, installed in 1894, which simulated a storm at sea.{{#tag:ref|"A circular platform, equipped like the bridge of a ship, [the Ocean Wave] is set among scenery painted to represent the waves of an ocean during a high wind. Round the edge of the platform is a line of small yachts. Powerful machinery makes the platform revolve, and at the same time rise and fall, giving the yachts a motion not unlike the ones they have at sea."<ref name=CroninRhodesP23>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=23}}</ref>|group="nb"}}

John Henry Iles, who took over control of Belle Vue in 1925, believed that expansion of the rides and the fun aspect of the park was the way forward, and added attractions such as [[dodgems]], the Caterpillar, the [[Ghost train (ride)|Ghost Train]], Jack & Jill, and the Flying Sea Planes. The Scenic Railway, purchased in 1925 but not fully operational until 1927, proved to be one of Belle Vue's most popular rides, and remained in use until 1975.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=35–36}}</ref>

The Bobs [[Roller coaster|rollercoaster]] was arguably the most popular ride of all, so named because it cost a [[shilling#In popular culture|bob]] for admission. It had an {{convert|80|ft|m|sing=on}} drop at a 45 degree angle, down which the cars travelled at {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h}}.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=36}}</ref> It was built by [[Harry Traver]] and designed by Fred Church and Tom Prior,<ref name="RCDbBobs">{{citation |url=http://www.rcdb.com/id2282.htm |title=Bobs, Belle Vue Park |accessdate=22 November 2007 | publisher=Rollercoaster Database}}</ref> who had to develop a series of engineering innovations to make the ride possible. The Bobs' distinctive white-painted wooden superstructure became an imposing element of the Belle Vue skyline.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP36 />

When the zoo closed in 1977, it was announced that the gardens and amusement park would be expanded with "new active leisure pursuits". By 1978 the site had been renamed Belle Vue Leisure Park, and the Tropical River House had been converted to a [[skateboard]] arena in an attempt to cash in on the new craze from America. The arena turned out to be poor investment however, as there was virtually no demand after the first few months.<ref name="BVSp76">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=76}}</ref> The 1977 closure of the [[Battersea Park|London Festival Gardens]] in [[Battersea]], London, allowed Belle Vue the opportunity to buy their Jetstream ride, which opened the following year.<ref name="BVSp77">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=77}}</ref>

Other attractions that closed at about the same time as the zoo included the boating on Firework Lake, and the [[miniature railway]].<ref name="BVSp77" /> In 1979 the amusement park was leased to the main concessionaire, Alf Wadbrooke, although by then it was only open at weekends during the summer season. The long-promised restoration of the Scenic Railway had not happened and the Water Chute had closed. In August 1980, Wadbrooke was given notice to close down the park by 26 October 1980 and to have all his equipment removed by February 1981.<ref name="BVSp78">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=78}}</ref>

==Music and dancing==
In 1853, Belle Vue staged the first British open [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] championships. Attended by a crowd of over 16,000, it was the first of what became an annual event until 1981.<ref name="Brit open">{{citation |url=http://www.thebritishopen.net/History.htm |title= British Open Brass Band Championships| publisher=British Open Brass Band Championships |accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> A revival occurred in the popularity of brass band contests during the 1970s; competitions between local bands could attracted crowds of up to 5,000.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP84-85>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=84–85}}</ref>

Belle Vue contained several ballrooms, the first of which was constructed in 1851, above a hotel at the Longsight entrance to the gardens. A larger structure, the Music Hall, was built in 1856, underneath the firework viewing stand, capable of accommodating 10,000 people on its {{convert|27000|sqft}} of dance floor.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP71>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|2005|Hyams|p=71}}</ref> A wooden open-air dancing platform was opened in 1852, and by 1855 had been extended to cover an area of {{convert|0.5|acre}}. Throughout the summer, music was provided by bands such as the Belle Vue Military, the Belle Vue Quadrille, and the Chetham Hill Brass Band. Open-air dancing continued until the 1940s, but by then the attraction had lost its appeal, and the platform was converted to a roller skating rink. It was destroyed by fire in 1958.<ref name=CroninRhodes29>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=29}}</ref> The same fire destroyed the Coronation Ballroom, which was replaced by a "huge ballroom complex" known as the New Elizabethan Ballroom in 1959. With room for 4,000 dancers on its two floors, and the largest [[Wurlitzer]] organ in Europe (installed in 1967), it was described as being "unsurpassed in Great Britain for size, comfort and elegance". Many well-known bands of the time regularly played for the dancers, including [[Geraldo (bandleader)|Geraldo and his Orchestra]] and the [[Joe Loss|Joe Loss Orchestra]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP31>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=31}}</ref><ref name=CroninRhodesP38>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=38}}</ref> During the 1960s and '70s, the ballroom also hosted discotheques such as [[Jimmy Savile]]'s Top Ten Club.<ref name=CroninRhodesP32>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=32}}</ref>

==Kings Hall==
The Kings Hall, opened in 1910, was a converted tea room, enlarged in 1928 and reconstructed as a "saucer like arena" capable of seating 7,000 people.<ref name=CroninRhodesP122>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=122}}</ref><ref name=Tyrwhitt-DrakeP60>{{Harvnb|Tyrwhitt-Drake|1946|p=60}}</ref> The name "Kings" was chosen in reference to the two kings who reigned during the six-week period of the Hall's construction: [[George V of the United Kingdom|George V]] and [[Edward VII of the United Kingdom|Edward VII]]. The Hall was designed to stage "Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Social Gatherings, etc",<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP73>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=73}}</ref> and was a popular concert venue until the 1970s, with appearances by artists such [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[The Who]], [[The Rolling Stones]] and [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72/> The Kings Hall became home to [[The Hallé|The Hallé Orchestra]] in 1942, when their previous base, the [[Free Trade Hall]], was damaged by bombing during the [[Manchester Blitz]]; the orchestra continued to perform concerts in Belle Vue for more than 30 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP36>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=36}}</ref> The last piece of live music heard in the Hall, on 14 February 1982, was played by the Glossop School Band, who were taking part in the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship.<ref name=StackhouseHyams2005P86>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=86}}</ref>

From 1961 until 1966, [[Bingo (non-US)|bingo]] sessions were held in the hall. Able to accommodate up to 3,500 players, it was advertised as the "largest bingo club in the world". Many exhibitions were also held in the hall, which with its {{convert|100000|sqft}} of floor space was one of the largest venues outside London. It was split into three separate halls in 1956, to allow three exhibitions to be run simultaneously.<ref name=CroninRhodesP124>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=124}}</ref>

The final event staged in the Kings Hall was the North-West Amateur Brass Band Championship, on 14 February 1982, in front of a crowd of 1,700. The Hall had been sold 18 months earlier to a development company, Espley Tyas Development Group, and was by then scheduled for demolition to allow the site to be redeveloped. News of the sale had triggered the formation of local action groups, who organised a petition signed by 50,000 people in an unsuccessful effort to save the Hall.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP72>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=72}}</ref> The exhibition halls were sold to Mullet Ltd. in 1983, but competition from the newly opened the [[Manchester Central (Conference Centre)|G-Mex]] exhibition and conference centre in central Manchester led directly to their closure. The site was sold to the British Car Auction Group in 1987, and the buildings demolished to make way for a large car auction centre.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=124}}</ref>

==Catering==
The gates were opened to visitors between 10:00 and 10:30 am. Kiosks around the gardens sold snacks and ice cream, made in Belle Vue's own ice cream factory. Families were catered for at lunchtimes by the hot water rooms, each of which could accommodate up to 3,000 diners, providing hot water for drinks and crockery for visitors who brought their own picnics.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The price was 2d per person, according to the 1892 guide book,<ref name=CroninRhodesP82>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=82}}</ref> and cakes and jams made in the gardens' bakery and on-site kitchens were also available, at extra cost. "One shilling tea rooms", close to the hot water rooms, offered lunchtime deals such as a pot of tea, bread and butter, green salad and fruit cake for a shilling. The more expensive restaurants tended to open during the evening. Alcohol was available in the many licensed premises in the gardens,<ref name=PussardPP200-201>{{Harvnb|Pussard|2005|pp=200–201}}</ref> including, until its closure in 1928, beer produced in Belle Vue's on-site brewery. Many [[public houses]] were also opened in the area immediately surrounding the gardens.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=96}}</ref>

Licensed hotels were built at each of the three entrances to the gardens. The Longsight Hotel, built in 1851 and demolished in 1985, was a part of the entrance.<ref name=CroninRhodesP95>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=95}}</ref> The Lake Hotel, built in 1876, had facilities for the free stabling of horses belonging to Belle Vue's visitors. It was extended in 1929 and then again in 1960, when a concert room was added, offering late-night entertainment. After its closure in the 1980s, the hotel was demolished.<ref name=CroninRhodesP96/> The Hyde Road Hotel and Restaurant at the main entrance, originally known as Belle Vue House, was renamed the Palm Court Restaurant in 1942, and then Caesar's Palace in 1969. It housed a cabaret bar and a restaurant, which was converted to an amusement arcade in 1976 when it was once again renamed, to Jennison's Ale House. The building was closed after a partial collapse in 1980.<ref name=CroninRhodesP94>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=94}}</ref>

==Firework displays==
After a trip to London to visit the [[Great Exhibition]] of 1851, Jennison's ideas for Belle Vue became more ambitious. He decided to implement large, scheduled "fantastic" firework displays employing a scenic artist, George Danson, to design and create a {{convert|30000|ft2|sing=on}} canvas backdrop.<ref name="Np12"/> The displays took place on an island in the middle of the Firework Lake, which also housed a small natural history museum.<ref name="CroninRhodesP22" /> In keeping with Jennison's desire for self-sufficiency, the fireworks were made on-site at Belle Vue.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP4>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=4}}</ref>

The first display took place on 2 May 1852, designed by "Signor Pietro". The theme for the early displays was "battle enactment", which proved to be popular with the paying public and resulted in Belle Vue becoming an all-day entertainment venue.<ref name="Np12">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|p=12}}</ref> The firework displays incorporated real people and real weapons, some of which, 1866-vintage Snyder rifles, were issued to members of the local [[Home Guard (United Kingdom)|Home Guard]] during the Second World War.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" /> The first display, a re-enactment of the [[Bombardment of Algiers]] involving 25 men, 300 rockets, 25 "large shells", and 50 [[Roman candle (firework)|Roman candle]]s, was watched by 18,000 spectators.<ref Name=CroninRhodesP98>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=98}}</ref>

The displays continued throughout the First World War, except that the use of rockets was prohibited under the [[Defence of the Realm Act]]. Reflecting contemporary events, the theme for the 1915 display was "The Battle of the Marne"; in 1916 it was "The War in Flanders", during which one spectator got so caught up in the action that he waded across the lake to join in with the "fighting".<ref name="Nicholspp28-29" /> Anticipating the outbreak of the Second World War, the theme for the 1933 display was "Air Raid on London".<ref name="Nicholspp42-43">{{Harvnb|Nicholls|1992|pp=43–44}}</ref>

The last grand firework display took place in 1956, on the theme of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP5"/>

==Circus==
The first Belle Vue Circus took place in 1922, but it was not considered a success. The next was staged in 1929, after the company negotiated a deal with the [[Blackpool Tower|Blackpool Tower Company]] to provide acts and equipment for what subsequently became a regular Christmas event held in the Kings Hall. One of the first arrivals from Blackpool was [[Ringmaster (circus)|ringmaster]] [[George Claude Lockhart|George Lockhart]],<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|p=55}}</ref> known as "the prince of ringmasters".<ref name="CroninRhodesP38" /> Lockhart became synonymous with the Belle Vue Circus, and his face was used on many advertising posters. Zoo superintendent Gerald Iles included some of the zoo's animals in the circus, in a feature called Noah's Ark.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP12>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=12}}</ref>

For the 1967–1968 season, to celebrate his 39th consecutive year, the circus was temporarily renamed the "George Lockhart Celebration Circus".<ref name=CroninRhodesP39>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=39}}</ref> Lockhart was the ringmaster for 43 years, until his retirement in 1970 at the age of 90. His replacement, Danish-born Nelly Jane, held the job for two years before being replaced by Norman Barrett, the last ringmaster. Another of the circus stalwarts was resident band leader and Belle Vue's musical director Fred Bonelli,<ref name=CroninRhodesP30/> who started his career as a trumpet player for [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus|Barnum and Bailey's]] circus band,<ref name=CroninRhodesP39/> and led various Belle Vue circus bands for 40 years.<ref name=CroninRhodesP30>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=30}}</ref>

Many of the acts featured animals, such as Eugene Weidmann's mixed group of tigers and bears, Thorson Kohrmann and his Farmyard Friends, Willi Mullens Caucasian Cavalry & Ponies, Miss Wendy's Performing Pigeons and Harry Belli's Horse Riding Tiger{{ndash}} to say nothing of the Dog! As well as the animal acts there was the usual collection of acrobats, strongmen, and clowns, two of whom, [[Robert George John Francis Fossett|Jacko the Clown]] and his partner [[William Alfred Merchant|"Little Billy" Merchant]], performed at Belle Vue for thirty years.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP56-63>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hymans|2005|pp=56–63}}</ref>

The last circus to take place in the Kings Hall before its sale was in 1981. For a few years afterwards the circus continued in the car park, then in a marquee on wasteland directly opposite the gardens' main gates on Hyde Road.<ref>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=56}}</ref>

==Sports facilities==
Sporting events became a permanent feature at Belle Vue after an athletics stadium was built in 1887.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP87>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|p=87}}</ref>

===Greyhound racing===
Greyhound racing was introduced to Belle Vue in 1926, in the UK's first purpose-built [[Belle Vue Stadium|greyhound stadium]], constructed at a cost of £22,000. It was built on land leased by Belle Vue to the [[Greyhound Racing Association]] (GRA), a company chaired by Sir [[William Gentle]], who was also the chairman of Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. The site was sold to the GRA in 1937, with the proviso that it had to be used for greyhound racing.<ref name=CroninRhodesP118>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=118}}</ref>

===Speedway===
[[File:BelleVueSpeedway.jpg|thumb|left|Speedway racing in 1963]]
One of the activities that became synonymous with Belle Vue was [[motorcycle speedway]] (known at the time as [[dirt track racing]]), which was introduced on 28 July 1928 in the recently built greyhound racing arena. The sport proved to be very popular, and the decision was taken to convert the 1887 athletics ground into a speedway stadium,<ref name=CroninRhodesP114>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=114}}</ref> which opened on 23 March 1929. It was at the time the largest purpose-built speedway stadium in the country, possibly in the world. Eventually it became the first home of the [[Belle Vue Aces]], but it was also used for many other events, such as football, cricket, baseball, car racing, and tennis.<ref name=CroninRhodesP114/> The stadium had covered accommodation for 40,000 spectators.<ref name=CroninRhodesP117>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=117}}</ref> As the speedway bikes ran on wood alcohol (known as dope), they were unaffected by fuel rationing during the Second World War and racing was able to continue, although many other attractions in the gardens were forced to close.<ref name="Nicholspp42-43" />

Belle Vue sold the stadium in 1982, but speedway continued there until 1987;<ref name=CroninRhodesP117/> the final event was a [[stock car]] race, held on 14 November 1987, shortly before the stadium was demolished after having been sold to the British Car Auction Group. The Belle Vue Aces returned to their first home, the greyhound stadium, where they had begun in 1929.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP106>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|1999|p=106}}</ref>

===Boxing and wrestling===
From the late 1920s until the outbreak of the Second World War, Belle Vue was "the boxing Mecca of Europe". Bouts were held in the Kings Hall, and although popularity declined in the years following the war, Belle Vue staged a televised world championship fight in 1964 between [[Terry Downes]] and [[Willie Pastrano]].<ref name=CroninRhodesP123>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=123}}</ref>

The first wrestling contest took place in the Kings Hall on 15 December 1930, and proved to be a popular attraction. Except for a break during the Second World War, events continued to be held until 1981, watched by up to 5,000 spectators.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95/> Popular performers included [[Jack Pye]],<ref name="CroninRhodesP122"/> [[Shirley Crabtree|Big Daddy]], and [[Martin Ruane|Giant Haystacks]].<ref name=StackhouseHyamsPP89-95>{{Harvnb|Stackhouse|Hyams|2005|pp=89–95}}</ref>

===Rugby league===
The speedway stadium became the home of [[rugby league]] side [[Broughton Rangers]] when the club was taken over by Belle Vue in 1933. Broughton were given a 21-year lease for use of the stadium, the rent to be paid based on attendances. Games were suspended during the Second World War, and on their resumption in 1945 the club was renamed Belle Vue Rangers. Belle Vue declined to renew the lease when it expired in 1955, as the arrangement was proving to be a "financial burden", and the team was disbanded.<ref name=CroninRhodesP120>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=120}}</ref>

===Football===
After a fire at [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]'s [[Hyde Road]] ground in 1920, the club considered a move to the Belle Vue athletics stadium,<ref name=JamesP150>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=150}}</ref> but it was deemed too small.<ref name=JamesP381>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=381}}</ref> At the behest of Belle Vue director John Henry Iles and John Ayrton, [[Manchester Central F.C.|Manchester Central]], was formed, and played its home matches at the speedway stadium.<ref name=JamesP155>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=155}}</ref> One of Manchester Central's first matches at Belle Vue was a visit by [[FA Cup]] holders [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in September 1928.<ref name=JamesP157>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=157}}</ref> The club attempted unsuccessfully to join the [[Football League]] in 1930 and in 1931;<ref name=JamesP165>{{Harvnb|James|2008|p=165}}</ref> with momentum lost, the club faded, and folded in 1934.

==Present-day==
{{quote box|width=25em|quoted=true|bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center |quote=When it closed, Belle Vue left a gaping hole in the heart of the region that has never been completely replaced. It gave people a focal point, something to be proud of, a place where they could take their families and be sure of a great day out at a reasonable cost.<ref name="StackhouseHyamsP125" />}} In 1963 the Top Lake, formerly known as the Great Lake, was filled in and a 32-lane [[tenpin bowling]] alley built on its site, just behind the Lake Hotel. Known as the Belle Vue Granada Bowl, it opened in 1965, advertised as "the north's leading luxury centre". In 1983, after the rest of Belle Vue had closed, it was sold to First Leisure Group, and bowling continued for a time. A snooker club was built in a corner of the car park in 1985.<ref name=CroninRhodesP119>{{Harvnb|Cronin|Rhodes|1999|p=119}}</ref> All that remains of Belle Vue as of 2010 is the greyhound stadium and the snooker club; the original gardens and amusement park are now an industrial and residential area.<ref name=StackhouseHyamsP124/> A road in the housing estate, Lockhart Close, was named after circus ringmaster George Lockhart.<ref name="BVSp78" />{{-}}

In the aftermath of Manchester's failed [[supercasino]] bid in 2008, local groups began to lobby for the construction of a "linear park" in the area, building on "the legacy of Belle Vue". It would comprise a new zoo, deer park, and amusement park.<ref>{{citation |last=Osuh |first=Chris |title=Bring Back Belle Vue |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/news/s/1044097_bring_back_belle_vue |date=7 April 2008 |work=Manchester Evening News |accessdate=28 July 2010}}</ref>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

;Footnotes
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Cronin |first=Jill |last2=Rhodes |first2=Frank |title=Belle Vue |year=1999 |publisher=Tempus |isbn=0-7524-1571-9}}
*{{citation |last=Hylton |first=Stuart |year=2003 |title=A History of Manchester |publisher=Phillimore and Co |isbn=1-86077-240-4}}
*{{citation |last=James |first=Gary |title=Manchester – A Football History |publisher=James Ward |year=2008 |id=ISBN 978-0-9558127-0-5}}
*{{citation |last=Kidd |first=Alan |year=2006 |origyear=1993 |title=Manchester: A History |publisher=Keele University Press |isbn=1-85331-028-X}}
*{{citation |last1=Mayer |first1=David |contribution=The World on Fire ... Pyrodramas at Belle Vue, Manchester, c. 1850–1950 |editor1-last=MacKenzie |editor1-first=John M. |title=Popular Imperialism and the Military: 1850–1950 |year=1992 |publisher=Manchester University Press |pages=179–197 |isbn=978-0-7190-3358-2}}
*{{citation |last=Nicholls |first=Robert |title=The Belle Vue Story |year=1992 |publisher=Neil Richardson |isbn=978-1-85936-128-3}}
*{{citation |unused_data=Thomas P. |last=Pussard |first=Helen |contribution=The Blackshirts at Belle Vue: Fascist Theatre at a North-West Pleasure Ground |editor1-last=Gottlieb |editor1-first=Julie V. |editor2-last=Linehan |title=The Culture of Fascism: Visions of the Far Right in Britain |year=2003 |publisher=I B Tauris & Co |isbn=978-1-86064-798-7}}
*{{citation |last1=Pussard |first1=Helen |contribution='50 Places Rolled into 1: The Development of Domestic Tourism at Pleasure Grounds in Inter-war England |editor1-last=Walton |editor1-first=John K. |title=Histories of Tourism: Representation, Identity and Conflict (Tourism and Cultural Change) |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |pages=195–210 |isbn=978-1-84541-031-5}}
*{{citation |last=Schomberg |first=Geoffrey |title=British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity |year=1957 |publisher=Allen Wingate}}
*{{citation |last=Stackhouse |first=Heather |last2=Hyams |first2=Daniel |title=Belle Vue – Manchester's Playground |year=2005 | series=Manchester at Heart |publisher=First Edition Limited ([[Manchester Evening News]]) |isbn=1-84547-092-3}}
*{{citation |last=Tyrwhitt-Drake|first=Sir Garrard |title=The English Circus and Fair Ground |year=1946 |publisher=Methuen}}
*{{citation |last1=Walker |first1=Alan |last2=Shipman |first2=Pat |title=The Ape in the Tree: An Intellectual & Natural History of Proconsul |year=2005 |publisher=Belknap Press of Harvard University Press |isbn=978-0-674-01675-0}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation |last=Inglis |first=Simon |title=Played in Manchester: The architectural heritage of a city at play |series=Played in Britain |year=2004 |publisher=English Heritage |location=Swindon |isbn=978-1-873592-78-6}}

== External links ==
*[http://manchesterhistory.net/bellevue/menu.html Belle Vue Revisited]
*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd502.htm Belle Vue Zoo at the Rollercoaster Database]
*[http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/articles/bobs1.htm BOBS: George Drew Remembers]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/09/23/230908_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Belle Vue Feature]
*{{YouTube|id=AzxT1isoIhE|title=Belle Vue Zoo 8mm Film from 1968}}
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2009/03/27/040409_manchester_gallery_feature.shtml BBC Manchester Places]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/07/070408_belle_vue_feature.shtml BBC Vue from the past]
{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

{{featured article}}
[[Category:1836 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1977 disestablishments]]
[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Manchester]]
[[Category:History of Manchester]]
[[Category:Former zoos]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in England]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]

Chester Zoo

2011-06-22T21:19:30Z

2.26.250.49: /* Big cats */

{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name=Chester Zoo
|logo=Chester-zoo-logo.png
|logo_width=70
|logo_caption=Chester Zoological Gardens
|date_opened=1931
|location=[[Upton-by-Chester]], [[Cheshire]], [[England]]
|area={{Convert|111|acre}}
|coordinates={{Coord|53|13|36|N|2|53|3|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=it}}
|num_species=422 (2007)
|num_animals=9019+ (2007)
|exhibits = Elephants of the Asian Forest, Realm of the Red Ape Tsavo Black Rhino Experience Spirit of the Jaguar
|annual_visitors =1.3 million visitors (2007)<ref name="goodzoos"/>
|website=http://www.chesterzoo.org
}}

'''Chester Zoo''' is a [[zoological garden]] at [[Upton-by-Chester]], in [[Cheshire]], [[England]]. It was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, who used as a basis some animals reported to have come from an earlier zoo in [[Shavington]].<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Chester Zoo |work=Chester Zoo website |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/About/History%20of%20Chester%20Zoo.aspx |accessdate=2008-05-08}}</ref> It is the one of the UK's largest zoos at {{convert|111|acre}}.<ref name="goodzoos">{{cite web | title=Chester Zoo |work=Goodzoos website |url=http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm | accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> The zoo has a total land holding of approximately {{convert|400|acre}}.

Chester Zoo is currently operated by the [[North of England]] Zoological Society, a [[registered charity]] founded in 1934. The zoo receives no government funding. It is the most-visited wildlife attraction in Britain with more than 1.3 million visitors in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ellesmereportstandard.co.uk/news/Visitors-flock-to-Chester-Zoo.3841672.jp|publisher=''Ellesmere Port and Neston Standard''|date=2008-03-05 |accessdate=2008-06-20|title=Visitors flock to Chester Zoo}}</ref> In the same year ''[[Forbes]]'' described it as one of the best fifteen zoos in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/top-zoos-slide-6.html|publisher=''[[Forbes]]''|date=2007-11-05 |accessdate=2008-05-21|title=The World's Best Zoos}}</ref>

==History==
===Early history===
The Mottershead family's [[market garden]] business was based in Shavington near [[Crewe]]. George Mottershead collected animals such as [[lizard]]s and [[insect]]s that arrived with exotic plants imported by the business. A visit to [[Belle Vue Zoo]] in [[Manchester]] as a boy in 1903 fuelled his developing interest in creating a zoo of his own.

Mottershead was wounded in [[World War I]] and spent several years in a wheelchair. Despite this, his collection of animals grew and he began to search for a suitable home for his zoo. He chose Oakfield House in [[Upton, Cheshire|Upton]], a suburb of [[Chester]], which he purchased for £3,500 in 1930.<ref name=history>{{cite web |title=From Polar Bears to Pandas: The History of Chester Zoo |publisher=Chester City Council |url=http://www.chester.gov.uk/tourism_and_leisure/culture_and_leisure/chester_history_and_heritage/past_exhibitions/from_polar_bears_to_pandas.aspx |date=2008-02-13 |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> The house had {{convert|9|acre}} of gardens and provided easy access to the railways and to Manchester and [[Liverpool]]. There were local objections, but Mottershead prevailed, and Chester Zoo opened to the public on 10 June 1931.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chester Zoo |work=Goodzoos website |url=http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm |accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> The first animals were displayed in pens in the courtyard.<ref name="history" />

Rapid expansion followed after [[World War II]], despite the difficulty of sourcing materials. Mottershead had to be resourceful; the [[polar bear]] exhibit (1950) was built from recycled wartime road blocks and [[British hardened field defences of World War II|pillboxes]].<ref name="history" /> "Always building" was the zoo's slogan at the time. Mottershead received the [[OBE]], an honorary degree of MSc, and served as President of the International Union of Zoo Directors. He died in 1978 aged 84.

===Zoo design===
Mottershead wanted to build a zoo without the traditional [[Victorian era|Victorian]] iron bars to cage the animals.<ref>{{citebook|title=Veterinary medicine: a guide to historical sources|first=Pamela|last=Hunter|publisher=Ashgate Publishing|year=2004|ISBN=0754640531|pages=455}}</ref> He was influenced by the ideas of [[Carl Hagenbeck]], who invented the modern zoo concept and by Heine Hediger, a pioneer of [[ethology]].

At Chester, Mottershead took Hagenback's idea for moats and ditches as an alternative to cage bars, and extended their use throughout the zoo, often with species that Hagenback had not considered. For example, when [[chimpanzee]]s were released into their new enclosure at Chester in 1956, a group of grassy islands separated the [[ape]]s from visitors by no more than a {{Convert|12|ft|sing=on}} strip of water. Nobody knew then if chimps could swim. It turned out that they could not, and today the chimp islands are a centrepiece of Chester Zoo.

In 1986 the zoo was enclosed with a fence, in line with the [[Zoo Licensing Act 1981]].<ref>{{cite web | title = The Zoo Estate | work = Chester Zoo website | url = http://www.chesterzoo.co.uk/corporate.asp?Page=130 | accessdate = 2007-02-28}}</ref>

==Management structure==
The zoo is split into three separate directorates under the management of the Director General, [[Gordon McGregor Reid]]:

*Conservation and Education
*Corporate Services
*Business Operations

==Layout and facilities==
[[Mobility scooter]]s are available near the main entrance, as is locker and buggy hire.

[[File:Chester zoo train.jpg|thumb|right|Flag Lane divides the zoo park into two which the ''Zoofari'' monorail has to cross]]
The zoo is bisected by a public bridleway, Flag Lane. For many years, a single bridge (now called Elephants' Bridge), drivable by zoo vehicles and powered wheelchairs, near the elephant exhibit was the only crossing place within the grounds. A second crossing, passable by pedestrians and [[mobility scooter]]s, called Bats' Bridge, opened in April 2008 near the Twilight Zone, has improved the ability of visitors to circulate.

There are other ways to travel around the zoo:
*A transportation system, now generally known as the [[monorail]], with a station near the elephants and a station near the lions. It runs in a circle.
*A water bus operates on a canal network within the zoo in peak season, but it stops at only one place.
Visitors must pay extra for using the monorail and the water bus.

Chester's catering facilities include the '''Café Bembé''' near the main entrance which opened in 2006. '''June's Pavilion''' is in the middle of the zoo. The '''Oakfield Restaurant''', in a Victorian mansion house near the lion enclosure, and the '''Acorn Bar''', are both used for private functions as well as catering to zoo visitors.

There are children's play areas, shops, kiosks and several picnic lawns around the zoo. A second pedestrian entrance is located in the southeast corner of the zoo behind Oakfield House.

For a long time the public entrance was at the east end. In recent years the public entrance has moved to the north side, west of Flag Lane, near the elephants, and the old car parks at the east end are being built over with service and educational buildings.

The zoo owns land outside the public area, and uses that land to grow food for its [[herbivorous]] animals.

===Monorail===
[[File:Chesterzoomonorail.jpg|right|thumb|Elevated view from the monorail. The side track leads to the depot]]
A [[monorail]] system was built and installed by Computerised People Mover International at a cost of $4 million and then opened by [[Katharine, Duchess of Kent]] in 1991.<ref name="next-stop">{{cite journal|url=http://ntlsearch.bts.gov/tris/record/tris/00635385.html|title=Next Stop for the Peoplemover (Abstract)|date=1992-07|journal=Urban Transport International - Peoplemovers Update Supplement|first=B H|last=North|publisher=Landor Publishing Limited|quote=Computerised People Mover International have developed a straddling monorail which is in use at Chester Zoo.}}</ref><ref name="tms">{{cite web|url=http://www.monorails.org/tmspages/Chstrzo.html|title=Chester Zoo|work=Monorails of Europe|publisher=The Monorail Society|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref><ref name="local-history-group">{{cite web|url=http://www.historyofuptonbychester.org.uk/zoo.html|title=Historical Archives of the site of Upton's Zoo|publisher=Upton-by-Chester Local History Group|accessdate=2009-07-25|quote=in 1991 the duchess of Kent opened the zoo monorail.}}</ref> The system is 1 mile (1½ km) long and travels on an elevated guideway to give views of the park grounds — the track crosses Flag Lane twice on its one-way circular shape. The two halves of the park are connected by the system and there is one station in each part, near lion and monkey enclosures respectively. Each train on the system holds 24 passengers<ref name="mogul"/> between its four cars and a full tour takes around fifteen minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/en/Home/News/July%202009/Pete%20Waterman%20gets%20birds%20eye%20view%20of%20zoo.aspx|title=Pete Waterman gets birds eye view of the zoo|work=News|publisher=Chester Zoo|date=2009-07-17|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref>

The system is a straddle beam monorail. The layout has a separate depot and control room<ref name="next-stop"/><ref name="mogul">{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-news/local-chester-news/2009/07/23/music-mogul-pete-waterman-launches-chester-zoo-s-revamped-monorail-59067-24217641/|title=Music mogul Pete Waterman launches Chester Zoo’s revamped monorail|first=Ben|last=Coulbeck|publisher=''Chester Chronicle''|date=2009-07-23|accessdate=2009-07-24}}</ref> and carries approximately 2,000 passengers per day.<ref name="gold-coast">{{cite web|url=http://eprints.qut.edu.au/15425/1/15425.pdf|title=Challenges to Urban Transport Sustainability and Smart Transport in a Tourist City: The Gold Coast|last=Yigitcanlar|first=Tan|coauthors=Fabian, Lawrence; Coiacetto, Eddo|work=The Open Transportation Journal|year=2008|page=42|quote=Automated People Movers: Daily Ridership (Thousand People)... Chester Zoo, UK: 2}}</ref> During 2009 improvements to the monorail's drive system and electrics were made by T&M Machine Tool Electronics, including the laying of over {{convert|25|mi|km}} of new cabling bringing the total cost of the improvements to £300,000. The monorail was re-launched by music producer [[Pete Waterman]] during a visit on 23 July 2009, when Waterman drove the first loop of the new system.<ref name="mogul"/>

==Species and animals==
Chester Zoo holds a large and diverse collection. At the end of 2007, over half the species at the zoo appeared on the [[IUCN Red List]] and 155 were classified as [[threatened species]]. 134 species were kept as part of a managed captive breeding programme. The zoo manages the studbooks for [[African Forest Buffalo|Congo buffalo]], [[jaguar]], [[Blue-eyed Cockatoo|blue-eyed cockatoo]], [[Boa manditra|Madagscan tree boa]], [[gemsbok]] (all ESB species), [[black rhinoceros]], [[Red-lored Amazon|Ecuadorian Amazon parrot]], [[Mindanao Wrinkled Hornbill|Mindanao writhe-billed hornbill]] and [[Rodrigues fruit bat]] (all [[European Endangered Species Programme|EEP]] species). In addition, Chester holds 265 threatened plant species.<ref>{{cite web | title = Livestock Totals, Threatened Animals and Threatened Plants | title = Chester Zoo Annual Review 2007 - Appendices | publisher = Chester Zoo | url = http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/About/Annual%20Reports/2007.aspx | accessdate = 2008-06-18}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Group
! Number of species
! Number of animals
|-
| [[Mammal]]s
| 79
| 1864
|-
| [[Bird]]s
| 155
| 1138
|-
| [[Reptile]]s
| 52
| 230
|-
| [[Amphibian]]s
| 24
| 577
|-
| [[Fish]]
| 80
| 3829
|-
| [[Invertebrate]]s
| 32
| 1381+
|- class="sortbottom"
| '''Total'''
| '''422'''
| '''9019+'''
|}

==Animal exhibits==
===Elephants of the Asian Forest===
Chester was the first zoo in the UK to successfully [[breed]] [[Asian elephant]]s in captivity. The most famous of these was Jubilee (1977–2003), so named as he was born in 1977, the year of the [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Silver Jubilee]]. The zoo has a breeding herd of eight elephants,<ref>{{cite web |title=Elephant calf makes debut |work=Chester Zoo website |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/newsitem.asp?ID=254 |accessdate=2007-03-03 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070928094459/http://www.chesterzoo.org/newsitem.asp?ID=254  |archivedate = 2007-09-28}}</ref> There have been two calves born in the last year: Nayan (male, born 2010) and Jamilah (female, born 2011). Long-time favourite Sheba died in 2011. The current herd is composed of two males and six females - 16-year old breeding male Upali, aging females Maya and Jangolie, the 'grandma' of the herd, Thi, her two daughters, Sithami and Jamilah, and Sithami's young Sundara and Nayan. The elephant house also used to house [[African elephant]]s, [[rhinoceros|rhinos]], [[hippo]]s and [[tapir]]s. Motty, a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] [[African elephant|African]]-Asian elephant calf was born in July 1978, but died in infancy.

A [[GBP]]2 million breeding facility modelled on an [[Assam]] ([[India]]) [[rainforest]] called '''Elephants of the Asian Forest''' opened at Easter 2006, as a major alteration of the zoo's previous elephant house. In the elephant house other indigenous species are exhibited, including [[Great Hornbill|great Indian hornbills]], [[azure-winged magpie]]s, [[green peafowl]], [[red-billed blue magpie]], [[red junglefowl]], [[Callosciurus|Prevost's squirrels]], [[red-bellied squirrel]]s, [[spiny turtle]]s, and [[Northern treeshrew|Northern tree shrews]]. There is an aquarium for [[Barb (fish)|Pla Eesok]], [[Pig-nosed turtle]]s, [[Clown loach]] and [[Asian arowana]] fish.<ref>{{cite web | title = Elephants of the Asian Forest | work = Zoolex website | url = http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=859 | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref>

===Spirit of the Jaguar===
'''Spirit of the Jaguar'''<ref>{{cite web | title = Spirit of the Jaguar | work = Zoolex website | url = http://www.zoolex.org/zoolexcgi/view.py?id=864 | accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref> was opened in 2001 and is sponsored by [[Jaguar (car)|Jaguar cars]]. The exhibit is split into four sections. The two inside are modelled on a rainforest and a dry [[savannah]], and the two outside contain rivers and pools so that the cats can exercise their swimming skills. There are currently five [[jaguar]]s, four spotted and one [[Black panther|melanistic (black)]]. A male and female named Salvador and Sophia had cubs in 2005 that died soon after birth. As well as jaguars, the exhibit also contains a colony of [[leaf-cutter ants]], [[poison arrow frogs]], [[Corallus caninus|emerald tree boa]]s and numerous rainforest [[fish]] including [[Ameca splendens|butterfly goodeid]]. In 2008, an amphibian based exhibit with Surinam Toads, Caecilians and Poison Dart Frogs was opened, and the exhibit will undergo further work in late 2011.

[[File:ChesterZooJaguars.JPG|300px|thumb|alt=Jaguars at Chester Zoo|Jaguars]]

===Realm of the Red Ape===
'''Realm of the Red Ape''' is a [[GBP]]3.5 million extension to the existing orangutan house, home to [[Bornean Orangutan|Bornean]] and [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, and is the most expensive capital project in the zoo's history.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1426575.mostviewed.new_pad_for_the_apes_opens_this_weekend.php |title=New pad for the apes opens this weekend |publisher=''Wirral Globe'' |date=25 May 2007}}</ref> The exhibit opened to the public on 26 May 2007 after a two-year construction period. It comprises a new two-story building linked to the existing orangutan house with three indoor and two outdoor enclosures, providing accommodation for a larger number of apes. The outdoor areas can be viewed from a first floor public gallery and feature mesh roofs supported by tree-like structures which act as climbing frames for the apes. A further enclosure houses a group of four [[lar gibbon]]s. On 29 January 2008, the zoo celebrated the birth of new baby [[Sumatra]]n orangutan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chesterzoo.org/Home/News/February%202008/Mums%20the%20word%20for%20Orang-utan%20Emma.aspx |title=Mum's the word for orang-utan Emma |publisher=www.chesterzoo.org |accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref>

Animals and plants from [[Indonesia]] are exhibited inside Realm of the Red Ape in a rainforest-themed setting. Birds on display include the [[Timor Sparrow|Timor sparrow]], [[Zoothera dohertyi|chestnut-backed thrush]], and [[orange-headed thrush]]. The [[Papua monitor|crocodile monitor]], [[reticulated python]], [[Gonyosoma oxycephalum|red-tailed racer]], [[Elaphe carinata|king ratsnake]], [[White's tree frog]], [[emerald tree monitor]] and [[Green Tree Python|green tree python]] feature among the reptiles. Asian Tree Toads and [[Phobaeticus serratipes|giant walking stick]]s and [[Phylliidae|leaf insect]]s complete the lineup.

Located next to Realm of the Red Ape is an enclosure for Europe's first breeding pair of [[Babirusa]] and [[Oriental Small-clawed Otter]]s.

===The Chimpanzee Breeding Centre===
This pavilion was opened in 1989 by [[Diana, Princess of Wales]] (who also used the title [[Earl of Chester|Countess of Chester]]) and is home to 26 [[chimpanzee]]s. This is the largest colony of chimps in Europe, housed in the Roundhouse, a conical indoor enclosure linked to an outside moated island. The island is planted with many bushes and has large poles for the chimps to climb on. The inside area has a climbing frame that allows the chimps to stay close together on several levels of platform. There are seven interconnected off-show dens. Dylan is the current dominant male of the Chester Zoo colony.

[[Image:Aa 2006 05 10 okapis.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The two [[okapi]]s at the zoo]]

===Tsavo Rhino Experience===
The zoo's [[black rhinoceros]] exhibit, modelled on the [[Tsavo]] national park in [[Kenya]], was opened in 2003 at a cost of [[GBP]]2 million. The zoo has a successful rhinoceros breeding programme and currently keeps 10 animals. [[Meerkat]]s are kept in a small enclosure nearby, and the surrounding paddocks are home to [[banded mongoose]] and [[warthog]].

===Fruit Bat Forest===
''Fruit Bat Forest'' is the largest free-flying [[bat]] cave in Europe. The cave holds three species of bat: [[Rodrigues fruit bat]], [[Livingstone's Fruit Bat|Livingstone's fruit bat]] and [[Seba's short-tailed bat]]. It is also home to a varied collection of other species including freshwater fish, [[Madagascar hissing cockroach]]es, [[spiny mouse|Turkish spiny mice]] and [[blind cave fish]].

===Monkey Islands===
'''Monkey Islands''' was opened in 1997, replacing the old monkey house, and is currently home to four monkey species: Colombian black [[spider monkey]]s, [[mandrill]]s, [[lion-tailed macaque]]s and[[Celebes Crested Macaque|Sulawesi crested macaques]]. [[guenon|Campbell's guenons]] and [[Porcupines]] were formerly housed with the mandrills. Visitors enter the monkey house and view the animals from a central corridor. Each species has a glass-fronted indoor enclosure with climbing apparatus and an outdoor enclosure, moated and heavily planted.

===Miniature Monkeys===
'''Miniature Monkeys''', opened in May 2004, consists of two enclosures. The first is home to a pair of [[Black-tailed Marmoset|black-tailed marmosets]] with two male pygmy marmosets, and the second is shared by a family of [[White-headed Marmoset|Geoffroy's marmosets]] and three female Golden-Headed Lion Tamarins. The marmosets have successfully bred on several occasions. [[Azara's Agouti|Azara's agouti]], [[Pied Tamarin|pied tamarins]] and [[Black Lion Tamarin|black lion tamarins]] have also been housed here in the past but have been moved out for various reasons.

===Bears of the Cloud Forest===
'''Bears of the Cloud Forest''' opened in 2004 and is home to a pair of [[Spectacled Bear|spectacled bear]]s and other South American animals. The purpose-built exhibit is designed to mimic the bear's natural habitat by providing trees and a rocky terrain. Sharing the bears' enclosure with them are a non-breeding group of [[Coati|ring-tailed coatis]]. Nearby are paddocks housing [[vicuña]] (wild relatives of the [[llama]]), [[capybara]], [[South American Tapir|Brazilian tapirs]] and [[Rhea (bird)|common rheas]].

[[Guanaco]] were previously housed with the [[rhea]].

===Secret World of the Okapi===
Formerly the camel house, this enclosure was remodelled in 2006 to house [[okapi]]. Initially two males were kept, Dicky arrived from [[Marwell Wildlife]] in 2005 and Mbuti came from [[Bristol Zoo]] in the same year. In 2006 Dicky left for [[London Zoo]] to make way for a female named Stuma from [[Germany]]. In 2009 Mbuti and Dicky were swapped back with Mbuti going to London after failing to breed with Stuma and Dicky coming back to Chester. Other animals that can be seen here include the [[giant pouched rat]], [[dormouse|African dormouse]], several species of [[cichlid]] from Lake Barombi Mbo in [[Cameroon]], [[gaboon viper]], [[Tanzania]]n grass rat, [[Mount Kulal]] spiny mouse and [[Rhabdomys|Mesic four-striped grass mouse]].

[[Image:fountain chester zoo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The fountain and gardens in front of ''Islands in Danger'']]

===Islands in Danger===
This exhibit is primarily a [[herpetarium]] for the zoo's [[Komodo dragon]]s, originating from the [[Lesser Sunda Islands]]. It was opened in 1998 and extended in 2003 to include an outdoor enclosure used by the dragons in the warmer summer months. The exhibit is built on the site of the zoo's former bird house. In 2007 several young baby Komodo dragons were put on display after one of the zoo's two females had a virgin birth through [[parthenogenesis]], the first such case recorded in this species.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/6196225.stm |title='Virgin births' for giant lizards |publisher=BBC News |date=2006-12-20 |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref>. The exhibit was revamped in 2009 to house [[Iguana]]s in one section of the building.

'''Islands in Danger''' also houses various [[Indonesia]]n and [[Philippines]] rainforest birds, such as [[Red Bird of Paradise|Red Birds of Paradise]], [[Palawan Peacock-pheasant]]s, [[Pheasant Pigeon]]s and [[Victoria Crowned Pigeon]]s. Recently added was a small group of [[Mindanao Bleeding-heart]]s which have successfully bred. Birds formally kept in the exhibit include [[tarictic hornbill|Visayan Tarictic Hornbill]], [[Socorro Dove]], [[Papuan Lorikeet]] and [[St. Lucia Amazon]].

===Mongoose Mania ===
Located near the [[tiger]]s, this area used to be a petting farm, but was closed due to an outbreak of [[foot-and-mouth disease]]. The petting farm is now a picnic lawn and a former Kune Kune Pig enclosure has been demolished in favour of a food stall.

'''Mongoose Mania''', which houses [[Common Dwarf Mongoose|dwarf mongooses]] features tunnels beneath the enclosure which allow children to crawl through, popping up their heads into plastic domes to give them a mongoose's eye view of the world.

===Giant Otters and Penguins===
In early 2010 the [[Californian Sealion]]s left the collection. Over the late winter the pool was converted to house a new species to the zoo. The [[Giant Otter]]s went on show for the first time on 26 March 2010. The zoo plans to try and breed the species in the near future.

In the neighbouring enclosure a large breeding group of over 40 [[Humboldt Penguin]]s have their own pool, and visitors can watch the birds from an underwater viewing window.

===Tropical Realm===
Chester's '''Tropical Realm''' is Britain's largest tropical house at over 26,000 cubic metres. Opened in 1964, most of the interior is an open-plan space extending to roof level and themed with pools and mature tropical plants, with pathways for visitors through the undergrowth. Here, more than 30 species of birds are free-flying, including [[Nicobar Pigeon]]s, various species of [[starling]]s and ground birds such as [[Crested Wood Partridge|Roul-roul Partridges]].

Aviaries and vivaria are arranged around the sides of the building; those on the upper level were originally designed for [[birds of paradise]]. The aviaries currently house birds such as the [[Great Indian Hornbill]], [[Rhinoceros Hornbill]], two pairs of [[Tarictic Hornbill]] (one pure-bred and one hybrid), [[Writhed-billed Hornbill]], [[Wrinkled Hornbill]], [[Red-crested Turaco]], [[Palawan Peacock-pheasant]], [[Congo Peafowl]], [[Bali Starling]], [[Western Crowned Pigeon|Blue-crowned Pigeon]], [[White-rumped Shama]], [[Montserrat Oriole]] and [[Curassow|Red-billed Curassow]].

The Tropical Realm is also the centre of the reptile collection. The [[crocodile]] pools are currently house Chester's new pair of [[Philippine Crocodile|Philippine crocodile]]s, which arrived in early 2008. Near the entrance is an enclosure for [[tuatara]]. This lizard-like species from [[New Zealand]] is the last surviving [[Sphenodontia|sphenodont]], a prehistoric group of reptiles, and Chester is the only [[UK|British]] zoo to exhibit them. There were many varieties of snake in the past; [[Rhinoceros rat snake]] and Emerald Tee Boa. Lizards include the [[gila monster]]s and [[beaded lizard]]s. [[Dracaena (lizard)|Caiman lizard]]s joined the collection in 2007. Problems heating the reptile enclosures have meant that many species are no longer kept at the zoo, however some of the exhibits have been refurbished for Emerald Tree Boas, and potentially [[Parson's Chameleon]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} [[Garter snakes]] have recently gone on show in the Tropical Realm.

[[Tortoise]]s are represented by the [[Galápagos tortoise|Galápagos]] and [[radiated tortoise|radiated]], along with frogs and insects.

===Europe on the Edge===
This is the zoo's largest aviary, and is one of the biggest in the UK. It was opened in 1993 on the site of the former [[polar bear]] enclosure. It houses a variety of European birds, including the [[European Black Vulture|European Black]] and [[Griffon Vulture]]s and the rarer of the two European storks, the [[Black Stork]]. There are [[spoonbill]]s, [[ibis]] and [[egret]]s as well as a selection of waterfowl. Smaller birds include the [[Rock Dove]], [[Northern Lapwing]], [[Red-legged Partridge]] and the native but rare [[Red-billed Chough]].

===Condor Cliffs===
This aviary was constructed to rehouse the zoo's breeding pair of [[Andean condor]]s, who have since parent-reared a chick for the first time. It is now also home for the [[American black vulture]] from [[South America]] and several species of waterfowl. The aviary is dominated by a large sandstone waterfall, and a fake llama skeleton is used at feeding time. The enclosure is built on the site of the zoo's former [[brown bear]] enclosure.

===Rare Parrot Breeding Centre===
Parrots on display here include [[Blue-eyed Cockatoo]]s, [[Red-vented Cockatoo]]s, [[Palm Cockatoo]]s, [[Short-billed Black Cockatoo]]s, [[Red-and-blue Lory|Red-and-Blue lories]], [[Chattering Lory|Yellow-backed Chattering Lories]], [[Mindanao Lorikeet|Mount Apo Lorikeet]]s and [[Blue-and-yellow Macaw]]s. Most of the birds were moved to the '''Rare Parrot Breeding Centre''' from the old parrot house when it was demolished in 2005 to make way for Realm of the Red Ape.

===Mythical Macaws===
This enclosure consists of several aviaries housing rare and endangered South American parrots and macaws. These include the [[Hyacinth Macaw]], [[Blue-winged Macaw]], [[Blue-throated Macaw]], [[Golden Conure]], [[Golden-capped Parakeet|Golden-capped Conure]], [[Blue-chested Parakeet|Blue-throated Conure]], [[Red-crowned Amazon]] and [[Red-tailed Amazon]]. The first aviary was opened in 2001 and the remainder in 2004. A single [[Azara's Agouti]] also forms part of the exhibit.

===Aquarium===
The [[aquarium]] is a small and traditional building (one of the oldest at the zoo, built by George Mottershead's daughter and son-in-law in the 1950s) housing a varied collection of freshwater and marine fish, aquatic invertebrates and amphibians. It has had notable success breeding [[seahorse]]s and achieved the first captive breeding of the [[Potamotrygon|freshwater motoro stingray]].

Other notable fish include the [[electric eel]], [[African lungfish]], tropical reef fishes and various [[Lake Malawi]] [[cichlid]]s. Amphibians include the [[Surinam toad]], [[Japanese Fire Belly Newt|Japanese fire belly newt]] and [[axolotl]].

===Asian Plains and paddocks===
In 2008, '''Asian Plains''' received its official opening.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/News/May%202008/American%20Entrepreneur%20opens%20the%20Asian%20Plains%20exhibit.aspx |title=Marc Ecko opens Asian Plains exhibit |publisher=www.chesterzoo.org |accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> Based around a mixed-species paddock featuring [[blackbuck]] and [[Eld's deer|Burmese brow-antlered deer]], the exhibit has recently been extended to include new enclosures for [[Indian rhinoceros]] and [[cheetah]]. The male rhino was joined by a female in 2008 to form a pair which the zoo hoped would breed. Sadly in November 2009 the male Indian rhino "Patna" was put down due to a longstanding leg injury. The zoo obtained a replacement male from [[Edinburgh Zoo]] in March 2010. Since they were closely related the previous female departed for a zoo in [[Spain]] shortly after, and the zoo are in the progress of creating a breeding situation. The paddocks formerly housed [[barasingha]], [[Ankole cattle]] and [[sitatunga]].

Other paddocks on the west side of the zoo support grazing herds of [[Grevy's zebra]], sitatunga, [[scimitar-horned oryx]], [[gemsbok]], [[Red Lechwe]] and [[Roan Antelope]]. The sitatunga share their paddock with [[ostrich]], and the Red Lechwe and Roan antelope also share an exhibit.

[[Przewalski's horse]]s have recently left the collection to make way for the new [[African hunting dog]] enclosure.

===African Painted Dogs===
In 2011, a new exhibit on the site of the former Przewalski's horse paddock was opened. In the style of an African Research Station, the exhibit has a dry landscape with fake [[kopje]] stones. A pack of seven African Painted Dogs are the main exhibit, however [[Crested Porcupine]]s are nearby. [[Yellow Mongoose]] and [[Rock Hyrax]] are also due to join the display.

===Forest Zone===
The north east area of the zoo is where many forest-dwelling species are kept. As well as the [[chimpanzee]]s, [[okapi]], [[jaguar]] and Tropical Realm, there are enclosures for [[African Forest Buffalo|Congo buffalo]], [[red river hog]]s and endangered [[Visayan warty pig|Negros Island warty pigs]]. Nearby is a large paddock for the zoo's six [[giraffe]]s. [[Golden-bellied capuchin|Buffy-headed capuchins]] are housed near the exit of the Tropical Realm as well as a group of native [[sand lizard]]s.
The empty enclosure formerly housing [[maned wolf|maned wolves]] has been replaced by a heated [[butterfly]] house called '''Butterfly Journey''', which is based around the life cycle of a butterfly, featuring free-flying butterflies, a cabinet of [[cocoon]]s, and an area with [[caterpillar]]s. The exhibit also houses a Parson's Chameleon.

===Big cats===
As well as jaguars, Chester keeps [[lion]]s, [[tiger]]s and [[cheetah]]s <ref name=cheetah>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrexhamleader.co.uk/news/Bank-holiday-is-a-record.4072518.jp |title=Bank Holiday is a record |publisher=Wrexham Leader |date=2008-05-12 |accessdate = 2008-06-18}}</ref> in its [[big cat]] collection. The [[Asiatic Lion|lions]] are the Asiatic [[subspecies]] found only in the [[Gir Forest]] in [[India]] in the wild. The zoo's former resident male Asoka was joined by a female, Asha, from [[Rome]] in 2006. The pair have bred on three occasions, but so far their only offspring to survive has been a male cub, Tejas, born and hand-reared in 2007. His upbringing was featured prominently in the first series of ''[[Chester Zoo#Television documentary|Zoo Days]]''. Tejas left Chester Zoo for [[Besancon]] early in 2008 as part of the European breeding programme for this subspecies. Asoka left the zoo in early 2010, he was moved to [[Rome Zoo]] as part of the European breeding programme. His replacement is 3-year-old Iblis, who arrived from Planckendael Zoo in [[Belgium]].

In 2007, a male [[Sumatran tiger]] called Kepala arrived from [[Dudley Zoo]] to join the two resident female [[Bengal tiger]]s, who left in 2008. The same year, the zoo acquired a female tiger named Kirana, but unfortunately it was discovered that the pair were related. Kepala departed to [[Dublin Zoo]] and a new male named Fabi was brought in to form a breeding pair of Sumatrans, a critically endangered subspecies<ref>{{cite web |title=Sumatran Tiger |work=IUCN Red List |url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/15966/summ |accessdate=2008-03-05 }}</ref> in the wild.

===Other exhibits===
Other animals exhibited at Chester Zoo include [[Bactrian camel]] and [[onager]] in a large paddock in the centre of the zoo, formerly the zebra exhibit. A paddock which was only visible from the monorail but can now be seen from the Bats' Bridge holds a group of [[Philippine spotted deer]], alongside Negros Island Warty Pigs next door.

Bordering the paddocks is a waterway running north-south along which the water bus travels, past island groups of [[Black-and-white ruffed lemur]]s, [[Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur|Alaotran gentle lemur]]s, [[red ruffed lemur]]s and a young male [[anoa]]. [[Cottontop tamarin]]s were formerly housed on the gentle lemur island.

In the southeast corner of the zoo are enclosures housing an assortment of animals including [[Bongo (antelope)|bongo]]s, Yellow Mongooses, [[bush dog]]s, [[red panda]]s, [[Serval]]s, [[western grey kangaroo]]s, [[Southern Cassowary|southern cassowaries]] [[red-crowned crane]]s and [[golden pheasant]].

Near the Rare Parrot Breeding Centre is an aviary currently housing [[Spectacled Owl|spectacled owl]]s and formerly home to macaws and [[kea]]s the remainder of the zoo’s [[owl]] collection are seen nearby. The owl aviaries were recently modified.

Aviaries for [[snowy owl]]s, [[Rhinoceros Hornbill|rhinoceros hornbill]]s and [[Mauritius kestrel]]s are located behind the Children's Fun Ark. Flocks of [[Chilean flamingo|Chilean]] and [[Caribbean flamingo]]s live in shallow water alongside a large island housing a group of [[ring-tailed lemur]]s. New indoor accommodation for the flamingos was completed in 2007. [[Pelican]]s, [[stork]]s, [[Crane (bird)|crane]]s and a variety of [[waterfowl]] are housed in large pens alongside Tsavo.

==Future developments==
In January 2009, Chester Zoo unveiled an ambitious £225 million plan that will see it transformed into the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe.
The project – given the working title ''Natural Vision'' – will involve a £90 million first phase which will include the only domed ecosystem in the United Kingdom.
Called ‘Heart of Africa’, the bio-dome will be an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of [[gorilla]]s, a large troop of chimpanzees, okapi (rare giraffe-like creatures), and a wide variety of tropical birds, [[amphibian]]s, [[reptile]]s, [[fish]]es and [[invertebrate]]s, moving freely among lush vegetation.
The first phase – planning permission for which will be sought later this year (2009) – will also include a 90-bed hotel, a conservation college, a key element of which is the ‘Futures’ education centre, and a revamped main entrance linking to a marina development on zoo land beside the [[Shropshire Union Canal]].
The rest of the Natural Vision project will be completed by 2018, thus creating one of the largest wildlife attractions in the world and providing a major boost to the [[North West England|Northwest]] economy. This will showcase and financially support the zoo’s national and international conservation work, which already spans 50 countries.
The zoo currently occupies 50 hectares of land but owns a further 200. The completed Natural Vision project will cover 80 hectares including new access roads and parking.
The project is the culmination of years of planning and design and is being carried out in conjunction with a number of agencies, notably including the [[Northwest Regional Development Agency]] (NWDA) which has provided funding to enable the project to progress to the planning stage.
Realm of the Red Ape (expansion of the orangutan exhibit, opened May 2007) and Beginnings (redevelopment of the main entrance, opened Easter 2007) both form part of the "Natural Vision" project.

== Membership and adoption ==
The zoo has a scheme whereby people can adopt an animal of their choice, they are also given two complimentary tickets to allow them to visit the animals. They can also become members which allows them to visit Chester and a range of other zoos across [[England]] free of charge for a year. Every three months, members and adopters receive ''Z'' magazine, which provides updates and information about what is happening at the zoo.

== Television documentary ==
During summer 2007, television crews from [[Granada Television|Granada]] filmed at Chester for the documentary series ''Zoo Days'', a behind the scenes look at the day-to-day running of the zoo, narrated by [[Jane Horrocks]]. British broadcast rights were sold to [[Five (channel)|Five]] and the first 20-part series began airing on British terrestrial TV on 8 October 2007, transmitting on weekday evenings in a regular 6:30pm slot. A second 20-part series of ''Zoo Days'' was swiftly commissioned and began airing on 3 March 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title = Zoo Days returns to the small screen | work = Chester Zoo website | url=http://chesterzoo.org/Home/News/Zoo%20Days.aspx | accessdate = 2008-03-05 }}</ref> The third 20-part series was broadcast from [[Colchester Zoo]], before returning to Chester for the fourth 20-part series on 10 November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chesterzoo.org/Home/News/October%202008/Zoo%20Days%20Series%20Three.aspx|title=Zoo Days Series Three}}</ref>

In February 2009, "The History Of Chester Zoo" was a contestant's chosen subject on ''[[Mastermind (TV series)|Mastermind]]''.

==Images==
<gallery>
Image:Aa chesterzoo batsbridge 00.jpg|New bridge over Flag Lane
Image:Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) -Chester Zoo-4.jpg|Female [[Rhinoceros Hornbill]] at Chester Zoo
Image:Aa chesterzoo scimitarhornedoryx 00.jpg|[[Scimitar-horned oryx]]es
Image:Aa chesterzoo cleaning up after the elephants 00.jpg‎|Cleaning up elephant dung
Image:Aa chesterzoo elephants 00.jpg‎|Asian [[elephant]]s
Image:Aa chesterzoo sitatunga 00.jpg|[[Sitatunga]]s
Image:Aa chesterzoo bluecranes 00.jpg‎|[[Blue crane]]s
Image:Aa chesterozoo flamingos 00.jpg|[[Flamingo]]s
File:Aa 2006 05 10 train closeup.jpg|The [[monorail]]
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Chester Zoo}}
* [http://www.chesterzoo.org/ Chester Zoo Website]
* [http://www.chesterzoo.org.uk/ Chester Zoo Fans Website]
* [http://www.goodzoos.com/UK%20Zoos/chester.htm Goodzoos Website]
* [http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/ rECOrd (Local Biological Records Centre for Cheshire)]

{{British zoos}}
{{Zoos}}

[[Category:Zoos in England]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Animal charities based in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Chester]]

[[cy:Sw Caer]]
[[id:Kebun Binatang Chester]]
[[pt:Zoológico de Chester]]