In 1850 John Wilton took over the
Albion Saloon-theatre in Grace’s Alley, Wellclose Square,
Whitechapel, originally opened in 1839, and established Wilton’s
Music Hall that flourished until 1880. Between these years
the hall was rebuilt in 1858 and 1877 and refurbished on a
number of occasions. ‘John Wilton’s diaries’
of these years tell of the artistes who trod the boards and
something of their exploits elsewhere. It also recalls other
halls in London and the provinces and their banding together
to fight legislation and to improve conditions. After its
closure as a music hall, Wilton’s became a mission hall
and degenerated into a rag warehouse. It has been rescued
from this fate and since 1964 it is being restored as funds
allow.
180 pages, 20 photographs, 63 line illustrations, end papers
