Victorian Bournemouth (217) has distilled characteristics of contemporary civic heroism by analysing obituaries published to eulogise many of its councillors. An image of purity and selfless dedication emerges, a historical revisionism in counterpoint to reported actions. It represents a parochial example of the ‘Great Man of History’. The obituaries represent a collective effort to equip Bournemouth’s explosive civic success with instant mythology.
Victorian Bournemouth (216) has provided an overall review of 1895, the year when Merton Russell Cotes became the mayor at bay. Appointed perhaps as an alternative to divisive political interests occupying the Council, his unilateral behaviour, descending at times into self-interest, proved fatal to his survival. Furthermore, despite claiming otherwise, his reactionary stance on the social aspects of Bournemouth’s commercial development perhaps constituted a much larger obstacle than overriding procedures within the chamber. The experiment of appointing a mayor without public representation appeared to fail.
Victorian Bournemouth (208) has revisited articles published in the preceding quarter. Most of its attention has fallen on social rather than economic or commercial subjects. It has looked at examples taken from the lifestyles of gentility and labouring people. Furthermore, it has examined the occasions when the lives of these people, as a rule separate, interlocked and the results of such encounters.
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 (199) explores how the resort’s fine arts culture flourished and broadened during the 1880s.
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.
Victorian Bournemouth (180) observes how Guardians of its Union workhouse reacted to challenges occurring during the 1880s.
Victorian Bournemouth (169) discusses and extends aspects of subjects covered in the last quarter’s articles.
Victorian Bournemouth (168) continues the story of trouble rocking St Peter’s parish after its long-established vicar, A. M. Bennett, died.