National Picture Theatre in Hull Rebuilt 83 Years After WWII Bombing

The National Picture Theatre in Hull, which was bombed during a German air raid in 1941, is undergoing restoration after being left unrepaired for 83 years. At the time of the bombing, 150 patrons were inside watching Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator, and a roof beam fortuitously saved them from the blast. The cinema is recognized as one of the last remaining civilian bomb-damaged structures in Britain, highlighting the impact of WWII on civilian life. The restoration project involves significant structural repairs, including the installation of a new steel beam and the use of reclaimed period bricks to rebuild supporting columns. The local contractor, Hobson and Porter, is leading the efforts, which are funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the council, and the National Civilian WW2 Memorial Trust. The work aims to stabilize the building and prepare it for future use. Scheduled for completion in December, the restoration will enhance the cinema with new windows, lighting, and facade improvements. Once finished, the venue will serve as an educational facility and a memorial site for families affected by the Blitz, which claimed over 40,000 civilian lives across Britain. Hull was particularly hard-hit during the Blitz, suffering extensive damage with 90 percent of its buildings affected. The city experienced 82 raids, leaving a lasting legacy of destruction and displacement, with over 152,000 residents rendered homeless by the end of the war. The restoration of the National Picture Theatre symbolizes a commitment to preserving history and honoring the memories of those who suffered during this tumultuous period.