Hornsea, HU18

Image: © David Hallam-Jones Taken: 6 Jul 2013

The Floral Hall on the Esplanade. By the late C19th century improved methods of iron and glass manufacture made possible the creation of a number of seaside “crystal palaces” such as this one. These enabled visitors to gaze at the sea in much more comfortable settings and even to observe gales and storms. Hornsea is considered fortunate by some people to have retained this one. This amenity was opened on the 7th July 1913. The contractor responsible for the joinery & masonry work was J. K. Barr & Sons of Hornsea whilst W. H. Heywood & Co. of Huddersfield won the contract to supply and fit the roof and the glazing. This establishment soon became the home of a small orchestra and the location of small shows. Much of the original internal architecture and fittings have been covered up, lost or damaged and in March 2012 the Conservative-led East Riding of Yorkshire Council proposed demolishing it and replacing it with a car park, claiming that it was in a dilapidated state and was running at a loss. However, a local campaign group seem to have managed a stay of execution for it and are currently working on putting a rescue/business plan together.

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