Publications
Eastbourne From Old Photographs, by Roy Douglas, published 15 October 2014 (96 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445633221 & ISBN-13: 9781445633220) accessible at: Eastbourne Heritage Centre & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Eastbourne, situated close to the eastern end of the South Downs, near the famous Beachey Head cliff, is a bustling seaside resort. Originally comprising of a group of nineteenth-century settlements, the once subdued areas of farmland banded together to become a vibrant resort steeped in Victorian architecture. As a hotspot for those travelling from London and Brighton, the history of the town and the people who once lived there stretches out of Eastbourne itself and into these commuter towns.
Suffering a variety of damages in both World Wars, Eastbourne has seen many changes take place over the years. One thing that has remained is the large coverage of the South Downs that dominate Eastbourne, and the pier and bandstand, built between 1866 and 1872, that stand firmly on the seafront in a 'timeless manner'. The area's rich seaside history provides all with a truly fascinating story. Within the pages of this book, Eastbourne expert Roy Douglas charts the town's history through a unique selection of old photographs, prints and postcards to show what life was like for Eastbourne's past residents, and to highlight the celebrations and the struggles that this picturesque, bustling town has witnessed.
Review by Sabrina Harcourt-Smith in Sussex Past and Present no. 136, August 2015:Suffering a variety of damages in both World Wars, Eastbourne has seen many changes take place over the years. One thing that has remained is the large coverage of the South Downs that dominate Eastbourne, and the pier and bandstand, built between 1866 and 1872, that stand firmly on the seafront in a 'timeless manner'. The area's rich seaside history provides all with a truly fascinating story. Within the pages of this book, Eastbourne expert Roy Douglas charts the town's history through a unique selection of old photographs, prints and postcards to show what life was like for Eastbourne's past residents, and to highlight the celebrations and the struggles that this picturesque, bustling town has witnessed.
The first-time visitor to Eastbourne, might be surprised to discover such a wealth of fine architecture in the town. Much of it is Victorian and Edwardian, with older buildings of local stone in Old Town. They would be intrigued by the stories behind the town's growth and struck by the depth of local passion for its heritage legacy. Eastbourne From Old Photographs by Mr Roy Douglas is the latest title in the successful series From Old Photographs, published by Amberley, that chronicles the development of the town.
The book is a pictorial anthology of around 180 illustrations arranged in nine chapters. The first seven contain a well-chosen array of black & white and colour views of 'old Eastbourne', all of which are fascinating. Chapter 8 includes sad pictures of bomb damage, a few post-war landmarks such as Sovereign Harbour, and the tragic Pier Theatre fire of 1970. The closing chapter, The Fringes of Eastbourne, has evocative vistas of Wannock Glen, late 19th-century Pevensey, and an old Willingdon village still preserved with its lovely flint walls and houses.
The heart of the book is the collection of photographs. They are cleverly fitted into a historical context which the author sets out in a clear Introduction, in the short Prefaces which follow and in the captions which are packed with information. In the early 1800s Eastbourne consisted of several hamlets - East Bourne (Old Town), South Bourne, Meads and Sea Houses - which were surrounded by farmland. The Census of 1841 listed most men as 'agricultural workers'. Despite this rural aspect, a select but small seaside resort with affluent houses was gradually prospering. The surge in development that followed from the middle of the nineteenth century was due to remarkable and enterprising Eastbourne landowners - the 7th Duke of Devonshire and the Gilbert family - and the arrival of the railway in 1849. These factors shaped the re-birth and growth of Eastbourne as we know it to-day. Through Roy Douglas's combination of pictures and text the story unfolds.
It is evident that much exacting research has gone into the book and it is a welcome addition to Eastbourne and to East Sussex books, and better still, will be an excellent present for all occasions.
The book is a pictorial anthology of around 180 illustrations arranged in nine chapters. The first seven contain a well-chosen array of black & white and colour views of 'old Eastbourne', all of which are fascinating. Chapter 8 includes sad pictures of bomb damage, a few post-war landmarks such as Sovereign Harbour, and the tragic Pier Theatre fire of 1970. The closing chapter, The Fringes of Eastbourne, has evocative vistas of Wannock Glen, late 19th-century Pevensey, and an old Willingdon village still preserved with its lovely flint walls and houses.
The heart of the book is the collection of photographs. They are cleverly fitted into a historical context which the author sets out in a clear Introduction, in the short Prefaces which follow and in the captions which are packed with information. In the early 1800s Eastbourne consisted of several hamlets - East Bourne (Old Town), South Bourne, Meads and Sea Houses - which were surrounded by farmland. The Census of 1841 listed most men as 'agricultural workers'. Despite this rural aspect, a select but small seaside resort with affluent houses was gradually prospering. The surge in development that followed from the middle of the nineteenth century was due to remarkable and enterprising Eastbourne landowners - the 7th Duke of Devonshire and the Gilbert family - and the arrival of the railway in 1849. These factors shaped the re-birth and growth of Eastbourne as we know it to-day. Through Roy Douglas's combination of pictures and text the story unfolds.
It is evident that much exacting research has gone into the book and it is a welcome addition to Eastbourne and to East Sussex books, and better still, will be an excellent present for all occasions.