This view of Redcar seafront obviously at the time of celebration, based upon the fancy hats is from early in the 20th century. Bill Danby tells us: ”This photograph was very likely taken in 1902, when two events of National celebration occurred close together in the warmer months of that year. The Coronation of Edward VII had been fixed for the 26th June, but owing to his suffering from perityphlitis it was postponed to August. The King ordered the long-planned celebrations to go ahead in June. Prior to that in May the Boer War in South Africa came to an end and caused much rejoicing by a more patriotic and nationalistic people than we are today. The youth on the bike, to the left, with the uniform and large pith helmet suggests that this gathering was for the latter event. Most striking to me are the sveldt and tastefully dressed ladies of those times, compared to many present-day females, with their over-exposed cellulite and enormous rears, bursting out of over-tight tights etc.”
Image courtesy of Geoff Patton and grateful thanks to Bill Danby for explaining the reasons for this gathering.
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