The Auction

Dated: 28 January 1942

After falling into disrepair and a series of failed revival attempts, the Theatre was put up for sale. The auction was held on 28 January 1942, lasting only 7 and a half minutes and with just two bids. 

Mr John Hare of the Eastville Greyhound Stadium offered £500 but was outbid by Mr C.H.W. Davey of the Metal Agencies Company, who bought the Theatre for £10,500. There was local panic that the Theatre would be turned into a warehouse. 

However, Mr. C.H.W. Davey had generously agreed to purchase the Theatre anonymously to secure it until the Council for the Preservation of Ancient Bristol could raise enough money to buy it back.