Read on Twitter
Exploring the history of North Somerset’s coast wouldn’t be complete without delving into the history of its seaside resorts!
The history of convalescence by the sea is well documented, and key figures such as Hannah More took themselves to places like Uphill for this reason. 1/
The history of convalescence by the sea is well documented, and key figures such as Hannah More took themselves to places like Uphill for this reason. 1/
More’s friend, Wrington’s clergyman, Revd William Leeves found Weston to be ‘sufficiently alluring’ that he built a cottage overlooking the sea in about 1971. This building is still recognisable today, as The Old Thatched Cottage Restaurant. 2/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331643.06&y=161789.41&extent=478.04
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331643.06&y=161789.41&extent=478.04
The 18thC tradition of bathing naked from the beach gave way to Victorian modesty when bathing machines were invented. A hut on wheels was drawn down the water while the occupant changed inside. The bather then stepped straight into the water. 3/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331651.99&y=160990.5&extent=478.04
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331651.99&y=160990.5&extent=478.04
Whilst bathing machines allowed access at most resorts, additional arrangements had to be made due to the distance to the sea. Open bathing pools are recorded along the coast at The Saltings in Portishead, Clevedon & Weston such as Anchor Cove. 4/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=346897.97&y=177591.42&extent=478.04
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=346897.97&y=177591.42&extent=478.04
Weston may have been one of the first resorts to offer donkey rides to visitors. William Mager chad the idea of rides on Weston Beach in 1886 after seeing donkeys carrying baskets of fish. By the late 19thC there were as many as 150 donkeys for hire. 5/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331665.09&y=161525.69&extent=478.04
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331665.09&y=161525.69&extent=478.04
The coming of the Bristol & Exeter railway line to the area in the 1840s brought with it swathes of visitors along with day trippers on the paddle steamers to Clevedon and Weston. 6/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331294.8&y=161438.18&extent=478.04
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331294.8&y=161438.18&extent=478.04
The first Victorian visitors to seaside resorts may have stayed at a simple hotel or handful of inns until they had secured lodgings. Short term stays were catered for in new hotels like the Grand Atlantic in Weston or Royal Pier Hotel in Clevedon. 7/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=340204.27&y=171900.22&extent=956.07
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=340204.27&y=171900.22&extent=956.07
The 20th century saw new attractions in Weston such as the Winter Gardens Pavilion (opened in 1928) or the Pool which officially opened in 1937. 8/
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331612.7&y=160653.55&extent=956.07
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/kyp/?edition=nsom&layer=Community%20layer&x=331612.7&y=160653.55&extent=956.07
9/ What are your memories of enjoying the seaside in our lovely coastal resorts?
We’d love to see your photos!
#WeLoveNorthSomerset
We’d love to see your photos!
#WeLoveNorthSomerset
