The family of bride and heiress, Lena Lance, could have formed the basis of a novel written by Trollope, Hardy or others. Humble origins to substantial wealth in a generation. A rich old man living in a coterie of single women kin to his wife. A sensational court case about forged wills, an uncertain solicitor, and much money. A society wedding sparkling with bling. Marrying into money only a generation older, she escaped Bournemouth’s nouveau riche nervous society for Midland respectability.
Latest Posts
Victorian Bournemouth (203): Natural Science Society
Bournemouth’s Natural Science Society flourished in the resort during the 1880s. The society acted as a forum for people having quite different interests yet all connected by a shared zeal for scientific study and new technology. Thus, to those having similar interests, the society made Bournemouth an attractive destination.
Victorian Bournemouth (202): Oddfellows
The Oddfellows in Victorian Bournemouth evolved from a small lodge in the 1850s to a significant mutual aid society by the 1880s, supporting working people with sick-pay, health-care, and funerals. Their financial model centered on investing membership fees into mortgages, demonstrating their growing social respectability and communal identity amidst changing attitudes towards laborers.
Victorian Bournemouth (201): Cab! Cab!
In the 1880s, cabmen in Bournemouth united against the Improvement Commissioners to safeguard their livelihoods amid growing tensions. They formed a union, facilitated social gatherings, and established a Slate Fund for mutual benefit. Their collective actions spurred political engagement, ultimately compelling the local authority to reconsider stringent regulations on cab practices.
Victorian Bournemouth (200): 1885’s art medal winners
Victorian Bournemouth (200) finds that established fine artists exhibited their works amongst many shown at the 1885 painting exhibition.
Victorian Bournemouth (199): fine arts
Victorian Bournemouth (199) explores how the resort’s fine arts culture flourished and broadened during the 1880s.
Victorian Bournemouth (198): sporting society
Victorian Bournemouth (198) examines the social profiles of men acting in an official capacity for one or more of the local sporting clubs.
Victorian Bournemouth (197): Buffalo Bill
Victorian Bournemouth (197) considers the cultural impact delivered in England by Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show during 1887.
Victorian Bournemouth (196): treasure
Victorian Bournemouth (196) uses auctioneers’ advertisements for house contents to learn about the taste exhibited by the resort’s residents.
Victorian Bournemouth (195): Q3 summary
Victorian Bournemouth (195) provides a summary of the recent subjects and themes covered in the last quarter’s articles.