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McDonald's Music Hall, London

McDonald's (AKA Hoxton Hall) has been continuously active with only short breaks, in a variety of roles - but always managing to accommodate some kind of public entertainment - since it was built in 1863. Among music halls I think this record can only be beaten by Leeds City Varieties. McDonald's has, of course, been owned by a Quaker organisation for more than a century, which prompts a second reflection: The two most important surviving early music halls in London (Hoxton and Wilton's) were both saved from the great 1880s purge by falling into the hands of total abstainers.- Ill drink to that! - Courtesy John Earl.

Right - McDonald's Music Hall Bill with Arthur Lloyd, his wife Katty King, and her brother, and Robert Lloyd on the Bill, for a benefit performance in aid of Harry and Katty King. 1867 - Courtesy Peter Charlton.