The Original Palace Building

George Wilkie then managed to secure tenancy in the old original Palace building, where he continued to create wonderful and unusual amusement devices. An example of which is in the gallery below and shows the only reversible joy wheel in Great Britain, which was virtually unheard of at the time.

George Wilkie's inventions and amusements proved hugely popular and the indoor fairground became very successful.

The reliably bad British weather meant that people naturally came in from the outdoor fairground and pier at New Brighton, which was growing into a bustling holiday destination at that time and was on the map before Blackpool.

WH Wilkie, also known as Will, took over the building some years later due to (his uncle) George Wilkie's increasingly poor health. Before this invitation to take over from George Wilkie, Will Wilkie had shown a flair for being an entrepreneur; working as a musician, making a living as a drummer selling sheet music on the promenade!

Uncle George Wilkie spotted the potential in Will Wilkie and from his deathbed, George asked his nephew Will Wilkie to take over the site.

History of the New Palace & Adventureland Gallery