A grand theatre entertained audiences in Swindon's town centre for decades before it was knocked down.

The Empire Theatre, originally known as the Queen's Theatre, stood on Groundwell Road from 1898 to 1959.

The theatre hosted performances by some of the greats of 20th-century British and international entertainment, including Laurel and Hardy and Gracie Fields, but eventually fell victim to changing tastes - and television.

The building was sold in 1957 and knocked down in 1959.

The new Empire House complex full of shops and eateries replaced the venue and remains there to this day.

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