Vintage views with Aled Jones: a very busy beach scene in the 1930s
A great snapshot of life on the south side, showing a very busy beach in the 1930s. The image gives an idea of just how popular the town was at this time.
The Spa Wall shown here was erected by the council in 1896; a private attempt was made to build a sea wall in 1879 but it failed. The Spa and Gardens, built at the same time, were part of the development of the South Bridlington estate by the Whitaker Brothers of Horsforth, Leeds.
The white Spa Theatre and first Royal Hall stand out like giant wedding cakes. Built in 1926, the latter was destroyed by fire in January 1932 but was reimagined in the Art Deco style in only 56 days, reopening in time for the 1932 summer season. Victorian Pembroke Terrace is in the background.
Next to the Spa is a boating lake which was fed by a chalybeate spring reputed to have medicinal properties. The lake, now occupied by a forecourt, was often covered to make an open-air dance floor!
The message on the postcard, dated August 30, 1933, reads: “Just been in the sea 7:00 AM. We are now going to a carnival on the Spa.”
Spa carnivals were always packed out. They were held every week on Wednesdays during July, August and September. They must have been wonderful occasions because they included aquatic sports, a special display of fireworks and a huge carnival ball.
This vintage image captures a nostalgic glimpse into beach life nearly 100 years ago. We can see that a vendor has brought his donkey and cart onto the beach, similar to the donkey ride tradition seen as well.
Unlike today, families appreciated the joy of this innocent equine pastime. Nobody now thinks of voting for Neptune’s bridle paths!
Music in his soul and ‘donations’ on his mind, a beach harpist shows off his talents in the middle foreground. Imagine the look on visitors faces if they encountered such as him today!
Notice the wave breaks on the beach and a small jetty for cobles and rowing boats. Today only one set of breakers remain on the South Beach (sited directly in front of the Spa Theatre).