Clarence ballroom

The Clarence ballroom was a main hall above the Public house at the heart of the South Wigston community. It is now the home of Marquis Community Association.

Noble Traits

When South Wigston was still emerging as an important center of employment and a Duke of Clarence was the eldest grandson of Queen Victoria, this prominent building complex was built and given the noble name. The Duke of Clarence buildings were in their hey days a notable social centre not just for Wigston but for many places in the surrounding area. To arrive at one of the three railway stations that used to operate in the vicinity of South Wigston, on the way to a dance hall that was one of The Duke of Clarence rooms was not unusual.
The fact that Nelly Dean was made popular by the singer Gertie Gitana who had strong family connections with Wigston influenced the name change of The Duke of Clarence to the Gaiety. Then unfortunately the status of this establishment diminished some what as a social center. However a sporting aspect associated with the former dance hall resulted in the change of name from The Gaiety to the Marquis of Queensbury.

This noble in 1867, when South Wigston was in its early stages of development, established the rules for boxing. So the name of the Marquis of Queensbury is still relevant today for this public house as the hall where dance bands once played is now used as a training centre for the sport of boxing.

Efforts instigated by an Association are now underway to refurbish and renew the upper floors which leads into the Main hall with a 1950's Maple syrup spung Dance floor reputed to be the finest in Europe, where many performer's once performed. This time such a social centre if if becomes established will be aligned to the needs of the 21st rather than those of the 19th century when the rooms were built.

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