Skegness Magazine

Source: Skegness News 1924

These two news paper articles from 1924 confirm that the circular area around St Matthew’s Church was called ‘Powlett’s Circus’, though it has been misnamed as ‘Parrot’s Circus’, possibly because the words phonetically sound the same.

POWLETT’S CIRCUS

Coun. Hudson opposed the minute of the Roads Committee authorising the making-up of of the south side of Powlett’s Circus.

He thought it should not be made up until the time was ripe for making-up the whole of Scarbrough Avenue, and also that the Council should seriously consider the taking over of the shrubberies and maintaining them as open spaces for all time.

He moved that the minute be referred back for further consideration.
It was resolved by 3 votes to 2 that the minutes be approved as they stand.

POWLETT CIRCUS

The Surveyor (Mr R. H. Jenkins) reported as follows on the making up of the south portion of Powlett Circus (Powlett Circus being the road surrounding St. Matthew’s Church):—
“I am given to understand that Lord Scarbrough is prepared to give to the Council the shrubberies on certain conditions. If this was accepted by the Council, there would then be no other frontages, and the road would be maintained at the cost of the Council.

“Your instructions are asked. I would recommend a loan being procured for the cost of the works chargeable to the Council.”

Coun. Hudson said that Lord Scarbrough was prepared to give the shrubberies on two conditions. The first was that he should be relieved entirely of the responsibility of them, and the second, that they should be kept as open spaces.

The Surveyor said that the cost of making up the south, side of Powlett Circus would be approximately £120. The part fronted by each shrubbery would cost about £40.

Coun. Hudson: Is it worth £40 to guarantee that. they will always be open spaces?
The Chairman replied that it undoubtedly was worth it.

Lord Scarbrough’s offer was accepted on the motion of Coun. Ball.