The area just below the Rotunda Museum is known as Aquarium Top because it once housed one of the biggest aquariums in the country. And what’s now a roundabout above, and underground car park below, was once a remarkable 'people’s palace’, known first as the Aquarium and then Gala Land, complete with alligators, seals and spectacular Indian-style brick- and tile-work.
9. Underground 'palace'
The area was also the turning point for the town's electric tramway system. In 1925, a tram crashed through the glass roof of the aquarium ballroom while trying to climb Vernon Road. The driver was not seriously hurt – others on board had jumped free before impact.
10. Underground 'palace'
The large tank of the Aquarium contained over 75,000 gallons of water and measured 36ft by 36ft. In summer, celebrated swimmers gave exhibitions in the tank several times daily. Photo: Max Payne Collection.
11. Underground 'palace'
Among the celebrated swimmers was, reportedly, Captain Matthew Webb, in 1880, five years after he became the first person to swim the English Channel without artificial aids.
12. Underground 'palace'
There was a monkey house and aviary, seal and alligator ponds, shooting galleries, and numerous other attractions.