Devon Cinema Gazetteer

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ASHBURTON

The Den

Ashburton, like Totness nearby were at the half way point between Exeter and Plymouth.  As the journey would take two days these towns became the stopping off point for travellers and the evidence can be seen from the many old hotels and coaching inns in the town. One such building was The Golden Lion, and had a cinema operation during WWII called The Den, referring probably to the room used in the hotel.  It could seat around 100 and was part time.  The hotel is now residential accommodation however the Golden Lion has been retained on the front porch.  Situated in East Street.

The Pit

Like the Den Cinema, the Pit Cinema operated in a hotel, The London Hotel.   Situated in West Street, the operation was housed in the former ballroom and operated after the war by E L Honour of Millbrook, Cornwall.  Mr Honour operated a mobile cinema, so like the Den, this operation was probably 16mm and part-time.  There were seats for 260 and the sound system was British Acoustic.  Operated until 1954.  Now residential accommodation.

Ashburton Picture House ~ Ritz

This building is the closest Ashburton got to having a proper cinema.  The building, an old mill, with a house attached was converted into a cinema and operated from around 1955.  Situated off North Street the operation was run by B Barr with a Western Electric sound system.  There was seating for 125.  The property has now been converted into flats.

Town Hall

The elegant Town Hall, in North Street, is also said to have shown films during the 1950s.  Originally built as the Market Hall between 1849-1850 by Lord Clinton.  The architect was A Norman of Devonport.  This Italianate building is Grade II listed.

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