The Local Historian Volume 10 Number 3 August 1972

By Barrie Trinder

Tracts were a very widely used Victorian and early 20th century device for publicising issues. They were often produced and distributed by evangelical or reformist groups to highlight, for example, the evils of intemperance, sabbath-breaking, or cruelty to animals. They represent a middle-class concern for the affairs of the lower orders and only achieved a widespread circulation after the 1870s, when universal elementary education meant that most recipients could read them. In this article Trinder shows how tracts give valuable information about local attitudes to, and campaigning in connection with, social issues of the day. He quotes examples such as those relating to early marriage, illiteracy, the proper observance of the sabbath, and nonconformity. This source provides extensive evidence of the life of domestic servants, working class festivals and entertainments, animal sports, population migration due to lack of employment opportunities, working class diets, religious dissent and radicalism.

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By D. Sherry

The resort of Bournemouth was entirely a Victorian creation, which grew on a coastal site in an area of heathland and common. The location had clear potential as a seaside resort but its growth was apparently stimulated in large measure by the arrival of rail communications - before the 1840s it was a minor place, and in the 18th century was better-known for its smuggling activities. The Tregonwell family, founders of the town, then saw its potential, established a 'summer retreat', and planted extensive groves of pine trees. They then promoted the planned town, designed as a high-quality landscape of detached villas. The author traces the 19th century development of the town and considers factors such as transport, the advent of paid holidays, and the expansion of the hotel and boarding house industry.

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By P.J. Atkins

A review of the published literature on the subject of medieval moated sites, their character and their context, together with a brief exposition of possible approaches to research on these features.

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By E.J. Priestley

Short study of the town prints which were produced by John Overton in the mid-1660s; the author notes that although ostensibly contemporary views, many of these were in reality based on much earlier illustrations.

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By C.M. Law

A bibliographical survey of secondary printed sources on urban population history in the 18th century, intended as a supporting article following the author's earlier article (10 01 13-26) which deals with the subject in detail.