2021 marks the 120thanniversary of the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. During her reign Britain became the most powerful trading nation in the world, leading to a social and economic revolution whose effects we still benefit from today. Scarborough's population boomed and many new homes and public buildings were built. The railway arriving in 1845 changed everything. Sadly there was also huge amounts of poverty and suffering alongside this growth.
The heart of the developments was steam power that radically improved Britain's industries like coal and the production of iron, textiles and manufactured goods. With its advanced technology Britain was able to expand into a huge global market.
Between 1809 and 1839 exports grew from £25 to £76 million a year. Ten years later the figure was £124 million. The major export markets were Europe, India, Asia and increasingly the United States.
In 1838 the Great Western sailed from Bristol to New York in 14 days and 12 hours, establishing the modern steamship era and the famous Blue Riband contest for the fastest transatlantic passage by passenger ships. Competition was intensified by the setting up by Samuel Cunard of a new shipping line. In July 1840 his first ship, the Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 11 days and 4 hours.
The first long distance train lines were opened in the first years of Queen Victoria's reign, the London and Birmingham in 1838, part of Brunel's London to Bristol route the same year and the London and Southampton in 1840. A railway boom and mania followed during the 1840s, with promoters and speculators planning lines all over Britain.
By 1845 2441 miles of railway were open and 30 million passengers were being carried. The spread of the railways also brought about, through time-tabling, a regularisation of time throughout Britain. Excursions and day trips, particularly to the seaside, became a familiar part of British social life.
Between 1861 and 1888 the mileage grew by 81 percent and the traffic carried by 180 percent. By 1900, 18,680 miles were in use and over 1100 million passengers were being carried, along with huge quantities of freight.
As the railway was a British creation it was exported to many parts of the world. British engineers, British construction teams and British capital built railways throughout the Empire, in the Americas and in many parts of Europe.
The spread of the railway was closely linked to the development of the electric telegraph. A telegraph cable was laid across the Channel in 1851, followed by others across the Irish and North Sea.
In 1866 Brunel's huge ship, the Great Eastern, laid a telegraph cable across the Atlantic. By 1878 Britain had constructed two overland and one maritime telegraph link to India. Related to the telegraph, but far more practical on a personal level, was the telephone, developed by the Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell, in 1876. By 1887 there were 26,000 telephones in use in Britain and switchboards in most major towns and cities.
POVERTY & CHARITY IN VICTORIAN SCARBOROUGH - 1895
4000 'tramps' were reported to have used the workhouse.
55,000 adults and 1100 children had used 'common lodging houses'.
42 beggars had been arrested.
11,000 quarts of soup were given out.
30,000 lbs of bread were given out.
340 pairs of shoes were given out.
3000 bags of coal were given out.
100 blankets were given out.
In 1897, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 198 workhouse inmates were treated to a full breakfast, roast dinner and afternoon tea along with extra tobacco for men and extra sugar and tea for women. Children got chocolate.
THEAKSTON'S GUIDE TO SCARBOROUGH 1842
The rank which Scarborough now holds as a watering place, the various improvements which have been accomplished and the interest connected with many places in the town render a 'Guide' to whatever is remarkable or interesting an indispensable requisite to the increasing number of individuals who resort here for health and pleasure.
The new Spa building was commenced in 1837 and is much admired for its chaste and elegant appearance. There are two wells, known as North and South, the South is also called the Salt Well. The water has been analysed by eminent chemists of the day.
One gallon of Spa water contains:
Chloride of Sodium – 26 grains
Sulphate of Magnesia – 142 grains
Sulphate of Lime – 104 grains
Bicarbonate of Lime - 48 grains
Azotic Gas – 6 cubic inches
The general effect of the water when drank in sufficient quantity is to act gently upon the bowels and kidneys. It strengthens and exhilarates. It is serviceable in debility and relaxation of the stomach, in nervous disorders, scurvy, struma or swelled glands, chlorosis and particular weakness.
Two to four half-pints taken at intervals and repeated daily are required. Those who bathe and drink the water generally bathe first or alternate days.
Bathing machines are employed on the South and North shore, though not always ready from the great demand for them. Two females generally attend a lady when she bathes and if gentlemen need an attendant, one can render assistance. The cost is one shilling and bathing is best taken after breakfast.
For those who are more delicate or wish privacy and comfort there are seawater baths in the town along with steam, douche and showers. The projected establishment of a General Sea Bathing Infirmary, for the benefit of the diseased poor, has a claim to a more general patronage.
Four private baths are listed: Travis, Harland, Champley, Weddell, Vickerman.
The Post Office
The establishment having been situated in Merchant's Row for a century is now at 50 Newborough Street and is run by Mr John Gillott, tea dealer. There are two mails every day conveying letters to and from Beverley, Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and York where it goes on to London, Leeds, Liverpool and the North west.
The Theatre
This is the only place of public entertainment in Scarborough. It is a commodious building in Tanner Street. The present owner conducts the enterprise with great spirit and you can see the most distinguished performers of the day.
The Market
Markets for poultry, butchers's meat etc are on Thursdays and Saturdays. The supply of every kind is generally abundant and not dear. The Moor mutton is excellent. Poultry and vegetables, especially potatoes, are abundant. The situation would seem to preclude good fruit. There are two annual fairs for cattle etc, Holy Thursday and Martinmas day.
The fish market is on the sands though a great quantity for sale is generally carried round to lodging houses. The supply is most abundant and includes Cod, Ling, Halibut, Turbot, Skate, Haddock, Whiting, Mackerel, Herring, Dab, Plaice, Sole, Gurnard, Coal fish, Lobsters, Shrimps and Crabs. The price varies considerably depending upon supply. Boats used are the Coble and Five Men Boat.
The Museum of Mr W Bean esq – Vernon Place
The private museum of Mr Bean comprises decidedly the best best collection of British shells in the kingdom. It is politely thrown open for public inspection six days a week during the season when all strangers are kindly admitted on being properly introduced. The drawers of every cabinet are displayed in the apartments of the house of the proprietor. Mr Bean's collection of Corallines is choice.
Oliver's Mount
This eminence raised 600 feet above sea level and possesses every requisite which can render an excursion to its summit delightful. It has been spoken of as one of the finest terraces in England. On a clear day with the help of a good glass it is said one can see Castle Howard.
The Mere
A fine sheet of water abounding with pike, perch and eels. In winter when covered in ice, multitudes of inhabitants are found upon its congealed surface for health giving exercise.
Scalby Mills
Parties frequently visit this retreat and in the verdant and shady arbours of the garden enjoy a refreshing and delicious luxury of tea and cakes which have acquired some celebrity. To those fond of rural retirement and the enjoyment of shady bower and romantic dell, visit the wild and beautiful valley a mile to the north called 'Barrow-Cliff Plantation'. One side is planted with ornamental trees whilst a gentle stream of pellucid water murmurs along.
