Promotional postcard of the exterior of the London Hippodrome.The London Hippodrome was opened in 1900, designed by Frank Matcham for Moss Empires and built for ?250,000 as a hippodrome for circus and variety performances. The corner bay is framed by giant Ionic engaged columns carrying entablature blocks and an open pediment, above which rises a short detailed tower with a skeletal iron dome crowned by a lively sculptured group of a chariot with rearing horses.