DID YOU KNOW?
In 1801, fewer than 500 people lived in Blackpool. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population had surpassed 50,000.
Always one to keep up with the latest technology, it was Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who had a bathing machine installed for his wife, thereby putting the royal stamp of approval on sea bathing as a respectable activity. Recounting her inaugural dip at Osborne in her journal in 1847, Victoria wrote: “Drove down to the beach with my maid and went into the bathing machines, where I undressed and bathed in the sea… I thought it delightful till I put my head under water, when I thought I should be stifled.Her state-of-the-art machine, complete with changing room, plumbed-in toilet and curtained veranda, enabled the Queen to enjoy the salty delights of the Solent while preserving her modesty against any spyglass-wielding sea-goers.