The history portal for Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, England
SWISS GARDENS – A HOLIDAY RESORT by Roy Sharp
It may even surprise many local inhabitants to learn that throughout the second half of the last century humble Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex was a veritable mecca for many thousands of people. They came from all age groups, from all walks of life, from near and from far; and all intent upon one thing – pleasure:
Continue reading “Swiss Gardens – A Short History”
19th Century Wall Advertisements in John Street
During the 19th and early 20th centuries it was common practice for the commercial areas of most towns and cities to have advertisements painted on the walls of business premises and shops, some were of a high quality, almost works of art. Over the years since most signs have disappeared through overpainting or weather erosion but some still remain. Nowadays they are more appreciated for their historic and artistic value and efforts tend to be made to preserve them. Commonly known now as ghost signs they once appeared most everywhere in Shoreham’s High Street but less so on premises in side streets such as the Beehive pub in North Street and the Burrell Arms Hotel in Brunswick Road. Continue reading “Wall Advertisements”
Thomas Stow & Son Yachts 1866 – 1936,
Courtney & Birkett and Francis Suter
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries Thomas Stow & Son earned themselves a reputation internationally as a respected designer and builder of good quality luxury racing yachts and other types of boat at their shipyard on the river at Shoreham. In his book ‘The Ships and Mariners of Shoreham historian Henry Cheal lists some of their schooners, yawls, luggers and cutters. These were of high quality, well planned internally to give them a ‘roominess’ rarely matched by other makers. Besides supplying private customers Stows also built many of the boats that carried British troops up the river Nile for the 1884 Sudan Expedition.
Continue reading “Stow & Son Yachts”
A Diary of Events
Shoreham in WWII by Gerald White
As the month of September arrived, the National news couldn’t have been worse. Local people who had no radio gathered in public houses and homes where a radio was available, everyone expected the worst. Mr Stanley Baldwin the Prime Minister spoke to say that Herr Hitler had gone back on his words of peace, would not undertake his promise not to invade Poland and because of this we were now at war with Germany.
Continue reading “A Diary of Events”
The names on this Roll of Honour have been collected from the memorials in Shoreham’s churches, cemeteries, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Soldiers Died in The Great War and includes many whose names are not shown on the town’s War Memorial. This record has been compiled independently of the Roll of Honour web site and includes more comprehensive information gleaned from Civil Registrations, Census Returns, Shipping Passenger Lists and some Service Records. Continue reading “Shoreham’s WW1 Fatalities”
William Edward Winton – bill poster, printer, photographer, impresario.
Captain Henry Roberts R.N. who sailed round the world with Captain Cook, John Brown the well known Victorian town notary and Henry Cheal the historian were all celebrated sons of Shoreham. To these names should be added William Edward Winton whose colourful life and work during the first half of the last century brought enjoyment to many Shoreham residents and, through his photos, continues to do so today. Continue reading “William Edward Winton”
Impressions of Shoreham and life 100 years ago by the writers of the old postcards
Shoreham’s early postcards were photographed and produced by a number of different people, the best known of them being W.Page of East Street, William Winton and his son who produced his cards at their printing works in Middle Street and sold them from their shops in the High Street and Brunswick Road, and Frank Rowe who developed and printed his photographs in the cellars of his shop at 18, High Street. Most people looking through collections of old postcards are attracted by the photo or view shown on the fronts – some however are equally interested in the messages on the reverse.
Continue reading “Tales from the Postcards”
There was always much rivalry between Southwick and Shoreham for many years and particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This often developed into serious fights between men of both towns, usually on Saturday nights at Kingston Bridge when both sides were doubtless fuelled by quantities of beer previously imbibed. Even into the 1960’s fights occurred between rival gangs from both towns. Continue reading “The Southwick Cat and Shoreham Musselman”
-the Tillstone and English families
“…… the shouts of the workers, the creak of the rope and winches, the ringing of the signal bells and the pervading smell of tar must have left a strong impression on the senses.”
Rope and sail making has been an important part of Shoreham’s shipbuilding industry for hundreds of years but it is only during the 18th and 19th centuries that we know more of the men and their families involved.
The recollections of James Rooke written down as he dictated them by Louisa Gorringe of Kingston House, Kingston-by-Sea. (Louisa was the wife of Hugh Gorringe and mother of William Hugh and George Frederick Gorringe.)