What Bradshaw said about Eastbourne in 1866
Posted: Sunday, January 23, 2011
by ActivEastbourne
ActivEastbourne
What Bradshaw said about Eastbourne
Following the recent interest in Great British Railway Journeys generated by Michael Portilo and his Bradshaw's guide traveling the country, and staying in various historical buildings in historical towns (although how he does it with no luggage I'm not quite sure), I thought it would be interesting to see what Bradshaw made of Eastbourne, so here is the 1866 entry for the town. Check back soon and I will be adding Polegate and Pevensey to the list.
Bradshaws Guidebook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland - 1866
Section 1 – Through London and Its Environs.
Eastbourne
Distance from Station, 1 mile
A telegraph Station
Hotel – Lamb
Market Day – Saturday
Fairs. – March 12th and October 10th
Eastbourne has, within a very few years, become fashionable as a watering-place. The bathing is very good, and a number of machines are employed. It also has the advantage of mineral springs, the waters of which are said to resemble those of Clifton.A theatre, a ball-room, a library, and reading-rooms are the principle attractions of the town, and there are good walks and rides.
It lies about three miles west of Beachy Head, is much recommended for its bracing air, and offers the somewhat rare attractions of the beauty of country scenery and stately trees, almost close to the sea. Eastbourne Town lies about a mile and a half from the beach or sea-houses, the actual watering place. The sea-houses comprise hotels, lodging houses, baths etc.
Beachy Head on the right is a favourite excursion point. To the left is the esplanade, and further inward the large circular fort of redoubts; and in the distance several Martello towers. Eastbourne has one of the finest churches in the country – Norman and early English. The ruins of a Friary are still to be seen.
Beachy Head, two miles, should be visited; it is the most stupendous cliff along the coast, being 564 feet in perpendicular height; and when the storm rages along the channel, it has a grand and sublime appearance. Compton Place one mile
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