The Local Historian Volume 24, Number 4 November 1994

By John K. Walton

In 1994 Blackpool celebrated the centenary of the famous tower. This article considers the way in which the tower became symbolic of Blackpool itself, defining at the time of its construction all that was new and sensational but, a hundred years later, become symbolic of all that was traditional - the tower had become 'heritage. It then considers the process by which resorts make or remake themselves, since the tower was only one of many attractions in Blackpool and in the late 19th century the town was redefining itself and being reborn as a resort with a large working-class element dedicated to mass entertainment after a long period when it strove to establish middle-class values and facilities. There is a detailed discussion of the role of local government and of capitalist investment, the latter centred on a key group of personalities. During this period the town itself was growing extremely rapidly, and visitor numbers were also fast increasing. It is argued that the late 19th century saw a combination of initiatives and investment which set Blackpool apart and ensured its success in channelling the swelling working-class demand for leisure and holidays, while also widening its catchment area and not deterring the significant middle-class element.

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By Alastair J. Durie

After commenting on the lack of major studies of Scottish resorts, Durie describes the early phases of the development of seaside resorts and spas in the later 18th century, as Scottish families began to go to relatively local centres rather than invariably heading for English resorts. Accessibility is identified as a major restraining factor, and proximity to Edinburgh correspondingly encouraged the development of the small resorts on the Forth, as well as Portobello. Steamboats, operating from 1812 onwards, allowed the growth of resort functions at Port Glasgow, Largs, and Helensburgh, and later at Dunoon, Rothesay and the Fife resorts. Railway communication was also advantageous to several localities, and the dormitory and holiday functions began to merge at towns such as North Berwick. The article discusses the varying social tone of resorts, contemporary descriptions of their character, and the degree of consumer loyalty as evidenced by published visitor lists in newspapers. Types of accommodation are also noted, though it is suggested that much more work needs to be done on this aspect of the Scottish resorts. Finally, the advent of golf as a major leisure activity is emphasised - for an east coast resort success, it is suggested, was a combination of ease of access (especially good railway links), leisure facilities, and golf, the last-named even attracting considerable numbers of English visitors.

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By Cliff O'Neill

It is suggested that the inter-war years have been relatively little studied by historians of British holiday resorts, despite the importance of a period which saw depression and recovery, regional variations in employment, changing income levels and migration patterns, and the growth of service industries and transport networks. The article is a detailed case-study of the select inland resort of Windermere. There is discussion of the evidence of the 1921 census and of other sources for visitor figures and the importance of boarding-houses in relation to the total holiday trade is noted. The potential impact of private motoring on the 'staying visitor' trade is considered, and the development of the excursionist market in this exclusive resort is seen as a major change of the period, train and charabanc transport being identified as important. The article discusses the local employment structure in the context of the resort role, and relates this to Windermere's continuing growth as a residential town. Conservation issues, control of and provision of amenities, the making and marketing of the town's image in advertising and publicity, and the control of inappropriate or unseemly behaviour by visitors are considered. Another major theme is the use of the lake itself, with the contemporary debates centring on pollution, noisy water sports, and development of the shore.

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By Dennis Mills

A comment article which discusses the relationship between the heritage industry and the work of professional and amateur historians, including local historians. Topics considered include: i) the existence of a range of basic sources for local history but the lack of proper protection for the written heritage (in contrast with architectural and archaeological heritage); ii) arguments over listing and the importance of the historical associations of individual buildings; iii) the character of tourist literature; iv) historical misunderstandings; v) the over-use of famous connections and of improbable myths; and vi) the need to recognise that history is everywhere, not just in the celebrity sites. Finally, Mills suggests that a practical approach would be to collect data on a parish-by-parish form from published and unpublished sources to provide a resource for councillors, officials and planners to use for historical purposes.

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By Edwin H. Dare

A contribution to research into friendly societies and similar institutions, investigating the society set up in Loughton, Essex in 1891 to provide mutual assistance (Dare emphasises the 'mutual' element) among unemployed labourers. He notes some earlier examples of self-help in Essex, and as background describes the considerable difficulties which the labourers of the area faced in the early 1890s, partly because of persistently bad weather which disrupted building projects. Using the minute book of the Society, Dare traces its establishment and development, noting that apart from a few references in newspapers this one volume is the only surviving evidence of the existence of this organisation. He identifies a number of the personnel involved, including the better-off inhabitants who acted as honorary members and patrons, and discusses the levels of help and the circumstances of those who received assistance. The trades of the members are analysed and the relationship of some with other friendly societies is suggested. Finally, the article deals with the winding-up of the Society by mutual agreement in 1899.