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.
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.
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.
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) finds that established fine artists exhibited their works amongst many shown at the 1885 painting exhibition.
Victorian Bournemouth (199) explores how the resort’s fine arts culture flourished and broadened during the 1880s.
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) considers the cultural impact delivered in England by Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show during 1887.
Victorian Bournemouth (196) uses auctioneers’ advertisements for house contents to learn about the taste exhibited by the resort’s residents.
Victorian Bournemouth (195) provides a summary of the recent subjects and themes covered in the last quarter’s articles.