Figure 1.--Here we see Allan Maney enjoying a donkey ride in Scarbourgh in 1948. Notice all the homes right on the beach front. A British reader writes, "Many donkey rides in this seaside town. As a boy, our family preferred Blackpool. I especially remember the illuminations."

Scarborough is a North Sea beach resprt. It was part of the North Riding of Yorkshire. The picuresque town rises steeply northward and westward from the harbor and beach onto limestone cliffs. The older part of the town lies around the harbour and is protected by a rocky headland. Lengend has it that the town was founded by Vikings. subsequently in the Middle Ages Scarborough Fair became one of the most imprtant European fairs. It was permitted in a royal charter (1253). It ws a 6-week trading festival that attracted large numbers of merchants from all over northern Europe. A stream of acidic water running from one of the cliffs to the south of the town became the beginning of what would become an important industry. Scarborough Spa develope ino a popular resort (17th century). Scarborough Spa became Britain's first seaside resort. The first rolling bathing machines, however, were not reported until later (1735). Scarborough became a popular getaway for wealthy Londoners. Transport was both aproblem and expensive. This all chnged with the coming of the railroad. The Scarborough–York railway began what was to prove a tidal wave of visitors (1845). As British ndustry grew, ordinary people could have summer holidays. Some businessseven organized them for their workers. Bass's Burton Brewery chose Scarborough for company outings. At its peak, fifteen trains would take between 8,000 and 9,000 employees of Bass's Burton brewery on an annual trip to the seaside. Scarborough became one of the most popular destination for holiday makers, despite its northerly location. The city was targeted by the German Navy early in World War I. It had all the features athat made ritish beaches popular. Such as donket rides for the kids(figure 1). Tourism continues to be a major component of the local economy. Scarborough is the second most-visited destination in England by British holidaymakers which is impressive give that so many resorts are closer to London. A British reader, Bill, had grandparents in Yorkshire. He tells us his experiences along the Yorkshire coast where he especially liked to hunt seashells. He also noted the water was colder than the southern beaches he was used to-although once in the water he didn't seem to mind. Another British reader, also named Bill remembers family holidays at Scarborough.

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Created: 2:41 PM 11/4/2019
Last updated: 2:41 PM 11/4/2019