The Criterion Blue Town Heritage Centre 2025
The centre is packed with items, memorabilia and artefacts of the amazing feats of the history of the Isle of Sheppey.
Contacts
Address: 69 High Street Blue Town Sheerness-on-Sea Kent ME12 1RW
- Telephone: 01795 662 981
- Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- Website: View website
Open Days & Times
Thu-Sat 1000-1500. Visit website or facebook for more details and advance booking.
Travel
- By Rail: Sheerness-on-Sea / .7 miles
Facilities
- Parking
- Refreshments
- Souvenir Shop
- Part disabled access
The present heritage centre is on the site of two earlier establishments. Originally the "New Inn" in 1868 the site became "The Royal Oxford Music Hall". The following year the building, which is situated a few doors down from the court house, became The Criterion public house, with a music hall called 'The Palace of Varieties' situated immediately to its rear. This offered "rational amusement for all classes" including in April 1876, a one armed juggler! In 1879 the earlier building was replaced with a brick built one.
The main space at the centre and the pride and joy is The Criterion. After being damaged and falling into disrepair, following a German bombing raid in WW1, the room has been lovingly restored to its new found glory and continues its main purpose of entertaining the public once again with a wide variety of entertainments.
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