Figure 1.--Here we see three English boys and presumably their mother and grrand mother on an unidentified beach. Dad probably took the snap shot. They are wearing their school caps, but we believe that the boys went to a state primary that did not have a uniform. They look to be a moderate-income family. The boys are probably wearing their school clothes because that was their best outfit. They are probably all dressed up because it was too cold to go swiming. They have rolled up their shorts because they probably did go wadeing. You can see how school shorts were commonly lined. Also notice how white their legs are. You can tell these boys usually wore knee socks. The snapshot is undated, but we would guess it was taken about 1930.

Another development in the 19th century was excursions. An excursion is a short trip to an interesting or diverting place with the idea of returning the same day or within a few days. This was made possible at first by the railroads which appeared in the mid-19th century. This made it possible to travel to interesting places and return quickly at a very modest price. Here beach excursions as well as longer holidays were especially popular, particularly for families with children. There were all kinds of other excursions such as trips to the Lake Country or hiking trips. But these trips often did not interest children as much as beach excursions. Britain is an island and seaside resorts are close to every English town. The coming of the railroad in particular mean that beach resorts could be reached in only about 1-2 hours from any English towns. Many of the resorts are quite famous. Many of them built piers with all kinds of amusements. And trains were not the only mode of transport. We note for example steam ship excuesions. Ship excursions were not nearly as common as train excursions, but steam ship lines did operate several. Here is a Clyde Shipping Company excursion to Ireland in 1908. These were more expensive than rail excursions, but still within the reach of many families. The excursions were organised for recreational organisations such as the Mother's union, church groups and other organisations that wanted to book the boat for a sailing. Hense the excursions were family affairs.

Created: 9:08 PM 9/26/2006
Last updated: 3:40 AM 7/3/2008