The Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, opened in 1901 and is believed to be the world’s first purpose-built amusement park. A circus, ballroom, arcade, dining hall, billiard room, zoo and ice ...
Self-proclaimed Essex Boy, Griff Rhys Jones ... complex than it could ever have as a derelict site." The Kursaal amusement park was designed by George Sherrin in 1896 and completed in 1901.