The big house on the road between Skippool and Thornton was a popular night spot before it was demolished in 1996. Its foundation stone was laid in 1902 by music hall star Vesta Tilley for cotton tycoon and Blackpool Alhambra chairman C. V. Howarth and from 1945 to the 70s it was the home of cinemas magnate Sir Frederick Emery and his extended family.
Illawalla was an envied place of privilege and security, often featured in Gazette articles. But for many people, their fondest memories are from when it was a nightclub. Have you any photos? We would love to see them. These photos are all from our archives, the house was also used a film set in the 1970s. Take a tour of the landmark property...
25 much-loved Blackpool nightclubs from the 1980s remembered the most including Adam and Eve and Jenks
1. Illawalla Memories
In 1976 during the filming of Kurt Russell film Valentino starring Rudolf Nureyev | National World
4. Illawalla Memories
Lining up for a shot at the title of Miss Illawalla are some of the finalists. From left: Linda Bottomley, Susie Crawford, Debbie Dobson, Michelle Castelano, Fiona Lawson. Front: Leigh Davies, Colette Caton and Kate Fisher, 1982 | National World
