A high-resolution reconstruction of Victorian Bournemouth
News from the Past is a serialised digital history that reimagines the story of Bournemouth not as a finished book, but as a living, breathing narrative. First, we use granular excavation on primary sources—from parish records to war diaries. Second, we piece together these “pixels” of the past to create a high-definition picture of a vanished era.
This is “history for the rest of us,” spanning the social spectrum from labourers to lords.
Our Two Pillars
- Paradise-on-Sea: The Rise of a Borough. Trace the sixty-year transformation of an undeveloped site into a thriving, self-governing county borough. This chapter examines the Victorian ambition, key figures, and economic forces that built this “holiday camp” into a bustling town.
- Tales from the Front: A Micro-History of Sacrifice. We honour the Bournemouth natives who lost their lives in military conflict. By tracing individual families, careers, and service records, we offer a poignant glimpse into how Victorian people navigated a rapidly changing new world.
The Project
Thus, much like the unfolding plot of a Victorian part-work novel, this site presents Bournemouth’s history as a continuous, evolving photo album. Hence, whether you are a genealogist, military analyst, or a curious local, these snapshots offer a relevant perspective on the personal histories that have shaped the town.
Start Your Journey
So, dive into the dramatic transformation of Paradise-on-Sea or honour the sacrifice recorded in Tales from the Front. As a result, you can explore the “history for the rest of us” today.
Kitablios