They’re emotive, nostalgic and provide a wonderful insight into Blackpool beach in days gone by. The crowds where you can hardly put a pin between the people, couples asleep in the sunshine, families padding in the sea together and… knotted handkerchiefs.
1. Beach scenes of yesteryear
These children are having the time of their lives playing in the sea. Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans Photo: Submit
2. Beach scenes from yesteryear
Keeping cool on Blackpool beach, 1940s? Picture credit: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans Picture Library Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans Picture Library
3. Beach scenes from yesteryear
A happy scene as families play in the sea in the shadow of Blackpool Tower Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans
4. Pals playing in the sand on Blackpool beach
Pals playing in the sand on Blackpool beach Photo: Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans
5. Beach scenes of yesteryear
This picture formed part of a Grundy Art Gallery Exhibition of photos from the English Heritage National Monuments Records. The crowded beach scene was from the 1950s. Picture credit: Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans Photo: Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans
6. Beach scenes of yesteryear
Blackpool in the 1940s. Picture credit: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans Photo: Photo: John Gay/Historic England/Mary Evans