Seaside memories wanted for coastal landmarks map

4 hours ago

The Electric Palace cinema in Harwich is believed to be one of the oldest in the country

Historic England Archive Edwardian cream-coloured building with red doors and Electric Palace in bas relief gold lettering above the door. The building is decorated with plasterwork of wreaths and vines, painted grey. — The Electric Palace cinema in Harwich is believed to be one of the oldest in the country

Memories of coastal landmarks are wanted for a new interactive map celebrating almost 300 years of seaside history.

Historic England's online resource highlights elegant Victorian piers and pavilions to lighthouses, beach huts and amusement parks, to reveal the evolution of Britain's holiday destinations.

It wants people to submit photos, drawings, writing or audio recordings about sites in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex that hold personal significance.

"Our seaside places hold a special place in our national story, yet the full richness of their heritage cannot be captured without the first-hand accounts, images and memories of those who've experienced them," said chief executive Duncan Wilson.

The stories of places like Southend pier are still being written, Historic England said

Paul Davis/Historic England Aerial image of Southend pier, showing adjoining amusement park and the city of Southend — The stories of places like Southend pier are still being written, Historic England said

The map, launched on Thursday, is available on Historic England's website.

It already includes markers for dozens of places, including:

Pleasure Pier, built in 1889 in Southend-on Sea, Essex
Venetian Waterways, which have graced the seafront in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, for 97 years
Sailors' Reading Room - a refuge for fishermen and mariners in Southwold, Suffolk, built in 1864
Electric Palace Cinema, Harwich, Essex - one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in existence, dating from 1911

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