During the first decades of the 20th century, films were regularly shown in the Corn Exchange (see adjacent photograph).

However, in 1934 a new purpose built cineam, "The Regent", was built by J. Wooldridge & Sons (of The Wharf) on land in Church Way, at the top of Atherton Hill (always known as "Picture Hill").

The Regent was part of the Wantage and Faringdon "circuit", and was owned by Miss Moore from Wantage.

It opened on 22nd November 1934; Lily Ruddle (later Mrs. Griffith) became cashier in January 1935.

During the war, it was always packed with troops of all nationalities, evacuees from the cities, as well as people working in the area, but living away from home. It was one of the few places of entertainment in the area.

The Regent cinema became unprofitable in the 1960s, closed in 1972, and was demolished in 1974, the houses of Regent Close being built on the site.

Film poster outside the Corn Exchange

Advert for The Regent,
Hungerford's New Luxury Cinema,
Dec 1935

From The Advertiser, 20.9.1988

Poster advertising the Regent Cinema, 1948

Miss Moore and Lily Ruddle, c1953

Regent Cinema, c1953

Regent Cinema, 1953

Regent Cinema, c1972

Regent Cinema being demolished,
Jun 1974