Blackpool: Britain in Old Photographs

There can be no better example of Victorian enterprise than the amazing success story of Blackpool whose pioneering spirit embodied all the unflagging, indomitable confidence of that age. "He who dares wins." This was the watchword, and bold publicity coupled with diligent application of the town’s motto "Progress" proved it to be true. There were great natural advantages—seven miles of flat, golden sands washed twice daily by no ordinary sea but "the bounding main." With the help of the railways, equally confident and zealous, the workers were speedily brought from sprawling, industrial areas and once in, they were captivated. Here was splendor in buildings and interiors envisaged only in fairy tales. Here was safe bathing (all the rage) and the facilities that went with it. Here was a cornucopia of entertainment and daylong merriment extending into night. Every Bank Holiday after the opening of Blackpool Tower signaled some new and entrancing addition to the pleasure dromes. The crowds came in the thousands year after year, as children, with their own children, and with their grandchildren, to "wonderful Blackpool, the most progressive resort under the flag." This book is a truly wonderful record of the growth of Blackpool into the national treasure it is today.

Catherine Rothwell is the author of Around the Channel Islands and Liverpool.