A Brief Insight On The History Of U.K’s Sea-Side Resort- Weston Super Mare!
Weston Super Mare, which is currently one of the popular sea-side tourist hubs of United Kingdom. The development, which the town has had until date, is all due to the efforts of the local people who helped to transform the miniature village into the biggest settlement area of Somerset County considering a population of around 80,000 and also a major tourist hotspot. Currently, more than half of the annual income of the town is based on tourism.
Early Life
Life for the first time landed its footsteps to Weston during the Iron Age by the flints. Much evidence has been discovered from this location like leaf-shaped arrowheads, knives, and weapons from the Neolithic period, as well as the Bronze Age burials that show human life proofs in Weston during the prehistoric era. The most primitive structure of the destination belonging to the Iron Age is- The Worlebury Camp situated on the Worlebury Hill. The hill itself was an ancient fort which has been completely demolished by now and houses the remnants of deceased bodies, grain pits, skulls, sword marks as discovered from the 1850 excavation.
Development of Weston
In the 19th century, Weston represents just a narrow sea facing the village with 30 people. Romans for the first time inhabited this destination from 43 to 410 AD and left around 1500 AD. In 1568, Calamine was discovered in the lands of Weston, and the village saw many mining activity during this time. The manor was first developed in Weston in 1600 and was sold by the winter family in 1970 when John Piggott purchased their estate from Brockley.
The Piggott family constructed their summer holiday cottage in the groves, which today is known as Grove Park. In 1791, a seaside cottage was also constructed on the sandy shores by Reverand Leeves, which is presently known as the Old Thatched Cottage restaurant. Weston started observing its proper growth from the period of the Victorian Era.
The first tourist development to take place over here was in the form of ‘Reeves’ Hotel in 1808, which is right now popularly known as the Royal Hotel. The upcoming progressive development was the construction of the sea harbor in 1820 at the islet of Knight Stone. The tourist gate opened during the period of 1841 when Isambard Kingdom Brunel residing in Weston constructed the railway’s route to Weston from Bristol.
In 1850, the serious development work started taking place by the construction of various villas on the Worlebury Hill southern slopes. In 1867, the Brubeck Pier was constructed to allow people to take long walks exploring the seaside fresh air. By this period the villas, estates, and boulevard construction also grew stronger. In 1880, with the introduction of the Seafront Improvement scheme, more development activity started flourishing.
The second pier was constructed in 1904, and then followed massive war during the period of 1918 to 1930 along with the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. The war led to the industrial development in Weston and by 1974, the town received the seat of local government and were established as a proper tourist destination.
Current scenario
In the present circumstances, the destination is a beautiful seaside resort lined by piers, limestone houses, plenty of heritage structures and lovely beaches for perfect brief holidays in the UK.