For three centuries people have headed
to the seaside. Although this was initially limited to a few wealthy
people in search of cures for their ailments, during the 19th and
20th centuries a day at the seaside came within the reach of
everyone. This change in the type and numbers of visitors has had a
huge impact on coastal towns, transforming them from small working
towns to the lively resorts we know, and love, today.
Seaside resorts differ from inland towns in a number of important
ways; there are types of buildings designed to entertain visitors
and the character of all types of structures near the seafront have
an exuberance rarely matched elsewhere.
'England's Seaside Resorts', the culmination of four years of
research, combines new information derived from the resorts
themselves with a re-examination of many of the most significant,
original documents. All stretches of the coastline, and all sizes of
resorts, have been studied to explain what gives the seaside towns
their special character. A large number of new photographs taken for
this project, along with a selection of historic images from the
National Monuments Record, provide a unique insight into England's
favourite holiday destinations.
So pack up your buckets and spades and enjoy a trip to the
seaside. |
