The #Edwardian Seaside #postcards

My love for the seaside began with Sunday school outings in the 1950s to places like Brighton, Eastbourne, Margate and Bognor, but the height of popularity for seaside towns was in Edwardian times at the beginning of the 20^th century.

A family poses next to the beach

Many seaside resorts became popular destinations during the Victorian era when the expansion of the railways made travel accessible and affordable.  Most, but not all of the visitors, were middle class and their visits coincided with the popularity of the picture postcard. 

While sitting on a deckchair listening to the Municipal Band many young ladies and young men penned a postcard to friends and relations.  They would show donkeys, boat trips, walking en masse along the promenade or venturing along the pier to visit a place of entertainment.

There was no need to worry about getting sunburnt

and there were often beach tents or chalets for shelter

And if it rained there was always somewhere to go.

but sometimes you just needed a balmy evening.