Victorian Porthcawl
This year’s Open Doors Event, Saturday 16th September, was a huge success.
Over 600 visitors enjoyed a trip back in time to experience Victorian Porthcawl. The year was 1896; with Lucy Brogden looking forward to her 21st birthday. Although busy with the preparations, members of the Brogden household, at Seabank House, took time out from their busy schedule to visit the Police Station; to meet the guests and offer them an insight into their working day. Mrs. Jenkins the inspector’s wife greeted everyone at the door and directed them to the various activities.
Mrs. New, the cook, demonstrated how the food of the day was prepared, whilst the maids busied themselves with more menial tasks. The scullery maid, however, proved a handful as she complained constantly about her betters as she slaved in the washroom.
Nevertheless, the workmen showed off their crafts with pride and the schoolteacher kept the young visitors in check. The resident policemen were on their metal and maintained control throughout the day as the town’s benefactors, Mr. & Mrs. Brogden graced the event with their presence. They graciously met with the lower classes and offered their wisdom on many matters. One visitor, Mrs. Banks commented, ‘ I am honoured to have met such esteemed guests, but I am more concerned about the price of bananas reaching ½d a pound!’
Thankfully, the town photographer in his light box captured the whole day.
Over 600 visitors enjoyed a trip back in time to experience Victorian Porthcawl. The year was 1896; with Lucy Brogden looking forward to her 21st birthday. Although busy with the preparations, members of the Brogden household, at Seabank House, took time out from their busy schedule to visit the Police Station; to meet the guests and offer them an insight into their working day. Mrs. Jenkins the inspector’s wife greeted everyone at the door and directed them to the various activities.
Mrs. New, the cook, demonstrated how the food of the day was prepared, whilst the maids busied themselves with more menial tasks. The scullery maid, however, proved a handful as she complained constantly about her betters as she slaved in the washroom.
Nevertheless, the workmen showed off their crafts with pride and the schoolteacher kept the young visitors in check. The resident policemen were on their metal and maintained control throughout the day as the town’s benefactors, Mr. & Mrs. Brogden graced the event with their presence. They graciously met with the lower classes and offered their wisdom on many matters. One visitor, Mrs. Banks commented, ‘ I am honoured to have met such esteemed guests, but I am more concerned about the price of bananas reaching ½d a pound!’
Thankfully, the town photographer in his light box captured the whole day.
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