Memory Palaces

Everyman, Muswell Hill 10Everyman, Muswell Hill 10
Apollo Picture House, Stoke Newington 1Apollo Picture House, Stoke Newington 1
Warner, Leicester Square 10Warner, Leicester Square 10
Rio, Dalston 1Rio, Dalston 1
Share Your StoryShare Your Story
Electric Theatre, Islington 1Electric Theatre, Islington 1

Memory Palaces

Exploring the history of London’s cinemas online and on foot

Everyman, Muswell Hill (1936—)

Apollo Picture House, Stoke Newington (1913—1983)

Warner, Leicester Square (1938—)

Rio, Dalston (1915—)

Odeon, Holloway Road (1938—)

Electric Theatre, Islington (1909—1916)

What are your memories of being in a cinema?

Romance, excitement, nostalgia, horror, delight, contentment, wonder - sitting in front of a big screen evokes so many emotions. Memory Palaces celebrates these experiences, telling the stories of more than 100 years of cinema-going in London.

Stories
Memory Palaces

Since film first flickered on London screens in 1896 the capital has been home to thousands of cinemas ranging from grand architectural marvels to neighbourhood fleapits.

With Memory Palaces I am telling the stories associated with dozens of cinemas across London, some still in use, others repurposed or gone completely.

A wealth of information and photographs are available as you click through the pages about each cinema, including links to stories spanning more than 100 years of cinema-going all over London.

You can also explore the history of cinemas and cinema-going with me, in person, on one of the regular guided tours I lead throughout London.

Cinemas Walks

Cinema Walks

Join me to explore the history of cinemas and cinema-going in London in the best way to travel – on foot! My guided walking tours bring to life some of the stories you’ll find at Memory Palaces and let you see the surviving architectural wonders up close.

All of these tours are also available for private groups of friends, family or colleagues.

More Walks

Mar 29 + 3 more events

Camden Town’s Lost Cinemas

Join me for a fascinating journey through Camden’s cinematic past to discover hidden stories and celebrate the enduring magic of cinema.

Camden Hippodrome Picture Theatre 10

Apr 2 + 2 more events

Hollywood Comes To London

Discover the stories behind London’s most famous cinemas and walk in the footsteps of the Hollywood stars who’ve graced their red carpets.

Odeon, Leicester Square 2

Mar 26 + 2 more events

Islington’s Big Screens

A stroll through more than 100 years of Islington cinema-going; all between Angel and Essex Road stations. We’ll encounter Victorian showmen, architectural wonders and tales of bad behaviour in the stalls

Carlton, Essex Road 1

Mar 29 + 3 more events

Camden Town’s Lost Cinemas

Join me for a fascinating journey through Camden’s cinematic past to discover hidden stories and celebrate the enduring magic of cinema.

Camden Hippodrome Picture Theatre 10

Apr 2 + 2 more events

Hollywood Comes To London

Discover the stories behind London’s most famous cinemas and walk in the footsteps of the Hollywood stars who’ve graced their red carpets.

Odeon, Leicester Square 2

Mar 26 + 2 more events

Islington’s Big Screens

A stroll through more than 100 years of Islington cinema-going; all between Angel and Essex Road stations. We’ll encounter Victorian showmen, architectural wonders and tales of bad behaviour in the stalls

Carlton, Essex Road 1