Figure 1.--We have a family group at Southend-on-Sea, The snapshot was taken about 1900. This shows the two boys in sailor-suits. Notice the boys are wearing broad-brimmed sailor hats. I am not sure to what extent these hats and sailor suits are connected with beach resort wear. One of the boys is clearly wearing shorts. I think they are outside their boarding house.

We have a family group at Southend-on-Sea, The snapshot was taken about 1900. This shows the two boys in sailor-suits. Notice the boys are wearing broad-brimmed sailor hats. I am not sure to what extent these hats and sailor suits are connected with beach resort wear. One of the boys is clearly wearing shorts. This is the era that we see a transition between knee pants and shorts. It is often difficult to tell the difference. A closeup detail shows that he is wearing plimsolls (or similar) with long socks, dark shorts, and the sailor-style top. Long socks is a British term for whatv what HBC often calls knee socks. Long socks refers to turn-over-top knee socks. I get the impression that these clothes were for very informal occasions. And their uncle taking a snapshot didn't count as very formal! I think they are outside their boarding house. This would have bit less expensive than a beach-side hotel.

David