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.
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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