Victorian Bournemouth (221) has considered the main themes explored in the first quarter of articles published covering the resort during the 1890s. It has discussed how the decade involved change in many areas and levels. The new civic status of a borough required councillors and mayors to handle matters and adopt procedures in ways comparable to similar towns. The social profile of these men changed from that characterising the Improvement Commission in that men of leisure gave way to meritocrats, albeit of humbler origin. The continuing process of shaping Bournemouth’s image appears in the model of civic heroism propounded within magistrates’ obituaries. Presenting the town in a positive way to the new audience of institutional and personal investors applied these skills in the new discipline of Corporation Stock issues.
Tag: mayor
Victorian Bournemouth (215): early mayors
Victorian Bournemouth (215) has reviewed the profiles and activities found for the borough’s first decade. Commonalities and differences appeared. At the heart of this analysis lies the finding that almost all the mayors hailed from humbler backgrounds compared to the elevated social positions they reached in Bournemouth. In a new position, the magistrates had to learn the best way to manage affairs during their years. Analysis of their business and civic records suggests that while religious and community participation seemed mandatory, each found a way to build a proprietary reputation.
Victorian Bournemouth (163): Joe Weathercock
Victorian Bournemouth (163) explores a short-lived satirical column which appeared in the resort’s local press during the 1880s.
Victorian Bournemouth (160): municipal incorporation (2)
Victorian Bournemouth (160) continues the articles studying the resort’s progress towards achieving incorporation in 1890.