Margate, Sands 1906

Photo ref: 54760

More about this scene

THE golden sands have always been one of Margate's main attractions and have given the resort an advantage over the more common shingle beaches of South-East England. Families on holiday in Edwardian Margate appeared to spend far more time relaxing on the sands than present day visitors. These were the days of the fortnight by the sea - bucket and spade holidays with simple activities. Until 'mixed bathing' was allowed by the Council around 1906/8, the separate rows of bathing machines for the sexes had to be kept apart by a space of 50 yards. At one time a Margate policeman on horseback would patrol the bathing machine area to see that the necessary decorum was being observed. The original bathing machines had a canvas hood perfected by local bather Benjamin Beale in 1753, which, in the absence of any bathing costumes, protected the bather's modesty. With the increasing use of costumes these hoods were later dispensed with. By the First World War it seemed rather absurd to employ a man, a horse and 'a wooden house on wheels' to splash about in some three feet of water (see 19869). The scene in 54760 is of an indiscriminate noisy mass of children playing and digging holes, with itinerant hawkers and photographers vending their fruit, icecream, drinks and magazines. A temporary canvas stage is the backdrop for the minstrels and pierrots, apparently with more enjoying a free show than those paying. Holidaymakers clearly were not dressed for comfort or convenience. Thick heavy clothing with ladies in long woollen skirts were the norm, even in the heat of high summer. A far cry from the lightweight casual clothing of today.

An extract from Margate Town and City Memories.