The Golden Age of Yorkshire Resorts 1800-1914

This book explores the world of wealthy visitors to Yorkshire coast resorts, revealing what attracted them and why some places remained exclusive until the early twentieth century. It includes original research based on letters, wills, diaries, and newspapers, as well as photographs and plans, providing a long-overdue survey of how the wealthy spent their time at the coast.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

For centuries, the Yorkshire coast has been a popular destination for holidaymakers, drawing visitors from all over the world. In this captivating book, the author delves into the world of affluent visitors to the county's seaside resorts, exploring the factors that drew them to these destinations and why certain resorts, such as Scarborough, Filey, and others, remained exclusive until the early 20th century.

Before 1900, a significant number of visitors to the Yorkshire coast hailed from the upper echelons of British society, including aristocracy and commercial and industrial magnates. However, some resorts also catered to an international clientele, with notable examples such as the French royal family visiting Scarborough, the Grand Duke and Duchess of Hesse staying at Filey, and the Maharajah of Cooch Behar taking a suite at the Hotel Metropole in Whitby.

Through extensive research using original sources such as letters, wills, diaries, and journals, along with newspaper reports, the author provides a detailed and insightful examination of the wealth and lifestyles of high-class visitors to the Yorkshire coast. The book includes chapters on the houses, luxury hotels, leisure activities, and the ways in which both men and women of means shaped the resorts they visited or retired to.

The Golden Age of Yorkshire Resorts 1800–1914 is lavishly illustrated with photographs and plans, offering a long-overdue survey of how the wealthy of the past spent their time at the coast. This captivating book sheds light on the social and cultural dynamics of the era, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyles of the privileged and the impact they had on the development and popularity of these coastal resorts.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 165 x 233 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398113459