Victorian Bournemouth (256) describes how the resort went through significant social changes after the mid-1800s. The old Arcadian world—where the gentry received automatic respect from those of lower status—disappeared. Instead, a merit-based town emerged, where successful individuals saw respectability as just as valuable as gentility. Reverend Pretyman’s awkward efforts at social engineering only highlighted the transformations taking place in Bournemouth.
Victorian Bournemouth (255) has followed the life of Elizabeth, who used the census as a medium to communicate her broken marital relationship. Her cris de coeur, embalmed by the census, stood the test of time. The unusual nature of her response raises questions about how people perceived the census and the commonality of her condition.
Victorian Bournemouth (254) charts the successful establishment of Bournemouth’s Public Library through the collaborative efforts of two men having different social backgrounds and political leanings. Despite the opposition stemming from social segregation, the Conservative (Leveson Scarth) remained steadfast in working with the Liberal (Whitting) to create an educational resource that transcended social boundaries. This partnership between the sons of a clergyman and of an innkeeper united a broader team to achieve this transformative goal.
Victorian Bournemouth (253) examines the experiences and professional relationships of six women who served as companions in Bournemouth in 1901. While some women in this role secured long-term positions with their employers, others took the job primarily for financial reasons before getting married. Some companions remained with their employer for many years, earning formal acknowledgement for their dedication and friendship.
Victorian Bournemouth (252) has found that, underneath the stereotype depiction of a companion, considerable variation applies. Furthermore, the nature of a longer-term appointment may have changed over time. Also, employers of social ambition may have described an employee as a ‘companion’ to enhance their personal reputation.
Victorian Bournemouth (251) has explored employment and social aspects relating to the women who worked as companions in the resort during 1901. Overall, the profile derived from analysing over a hundred people appears to match that found in contemporary fictional literature as well as modern third-party studies. The job may have offered the women a port in a life-storm, but the nature of the work environment and the relationships may have tested some.
Victorian Bournemouth (249) reports on a notable concentration of Anglo-Indian individuals listed by the 1901 census for Boscombe, Bournemouth. These individuals, most native to the Madras and Bombay Presidencies, shared common social characteristics: involvement in colonial administration or commerce, and a transient lifestyle within the British Empire. While some family connections have emerged, more may have existed. After 1901, some continued their travels while others settled in Bournemouth, drawn perhaps by its idealised English atmosphere, a reflection of their own complex cultural identities.
Victorian Bournemouth (234) has summarised the articles published in the last quarter. These took community groups as an overall theme. It has shown how the groups differed according to their position within the Maslow hierarchy. In addition, it has observed how, while some groups attempted to perpetuate class and gender prejudice, others succeeded in bringing together all members of society. In some cases, therefore, the groups constituted jeux sans frontières.
Victorian Bournemouth (233) has followed the Town Interest Association as it fluttered into public attention for a short time. Philpots blazed a short-lived trajectory through local politics, but, as did other gentlefolk, he abandoned the town. Perhaps the Association’s main success consisted of launching the community career of its secretary, John Armitage Crawshaw. He adhered to the model whereby others of humble origin achieved respectability at Bournemouth. He exemplified how individuals of modest origins could attain respectability in Bournemouth. His involvement in many activities would have established a broad presence within the community.
Victorian Bournemouth (232) notes that Meyrick Park, the resort’s first golf course, boosted the local economy by attracting gentle folk and leisured people to the new sport of golf. This supported tourism and promoted Bournemouth’s fashionable image. It also provided jobs, bringing income and an opportunity for social improvement to local working people.