Seaside days gone by... POSTCARDS OF LYME REGIS FROM THE PAST By Peter Lacey

Edwardian Beach Scene –circa 1906

One of my favourite cards depicting the elegance of the time; it really is worth close scrutiny in order to fully appreciate the detail It is very much a middle class scene; holidays for the working class were not yet with us, the most they could hope for was a day trip

The bathing tents were vital, as changing on the beach “ was simply not done” The clothing is of special interest, certainly not casual, and headwear must have been almost compulsory

The sand is more extensive than today, with the holidaymakers enjoying traditional beach activities This is the only picture I know of showing donkey rides on the beach; they must have ceased at the end of the era. The imposing Sundial House, built in 1901, is the first building looking along the parade The retaining walls erected in 1903 were built to prevent slippage from the steep grassy bank Today, it is part of Langmoor Gardens.

Broad Street - crica 1920

This postcard shows that trafc congestion and parking problems are not a modern phenomenon – coaches, buses, cars and pedestrians present a busy scene A walk along Broad Street today using this card as a reference will reveal little structural change The Royal Lion became ‘Royal’ after the future King, Edward VII, stayed there in 1856 The Three Cups Hotel on the left has been closed for more than 30 years

Lyme Regis Harbour - circa 1890

An early Victorian plate photograph The vessel in the foreground is a ketch, while alongside the quay with a crossed yard is a topsail schooner Both craft were the workhorses of the coasting trade Note the rather antiquated cargo crane Between 1884 and 1903, Lyme was mainly exporting limestone and important coal It is said that vessels arriving were “black with coal, on leaving, white with lime”

Paddle Steamer - circa 1908

The steamers brought day trippers to the town in large numbers from 1884 The service was Weymouth-based and operated mainly by Cosens of that port While passengers were ashore, the steamers offered short coastal excursions The fare in 1932 was one shilling The paddle-steamer trade was of commercial importance in the town; between 1884 and 1903 a total of 295 steamers landed some 18,000 day trippers

Lyme Regis Beach - circa 1920

The postcard reflects the impact of Lyme’s railway link. The branch line from Axminster opened in 1903 bringing with it an influx of day trippers This did not meet the approval of the class conscious visitors They objected to the sale of sweets and ice creams on the beach and a band playing on Marine Parade