Seaside
The same two ladies as in the previous image wearing their very flowery hats. This time posing on a ramp which would be pushed partly into the sea to be used to board and alight from the boats without getting wet.
More detail »The four men in full swimming costumes don't look to be too happy to be posing! They are in front of bathing machines. Through the gap between the machines in the street behind is the sign for the Seven Stars Inn dating the photo to pre 1900.
More detail »Sea coal is still washed up on the beaches around the town, in particular around Middleton although today gatherers can be seen with tractors and 4x4 vehicles. Although the Durham pits are long since closed, the residue of years of mining is still apparent.
This image shows how important the business was in the past, as to many people in difficult times it was the main source of fuel. Burning seacoal was something of a hazard as it regularly spat out of the fire !
HHT&N 845
More detail »Bob Johnson sits in the doorway of a bathing machine entertaining Ness and the young Burtons with his whistle.
More detail »Two me paddling in the sea. No shorts then, you just rolled up your trousers!
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