Eastbourne, situated close to the eastern end of the South Downs, near the famous Beachey Head cliff, is a bustling seaside resort. Originally comprising of a group of nineteenth-century settlements, the once subdued areas of farmland banded together to become a vibrant resort steeped in Victorian architecture. As a hotspot for those travelling from London and Brighton, the history of the town and the people who once lived there stretches out of Eastbourne itself and into these commuter towns.

Suffering a variety of damages in both World Wars, Eastbourne has seen many changes take place over the years. One thing that has remained is the large coverage of the South Downs that dominate Eastbourne, and the pier and bandstand, built between 1866 and 1872, that stand firmly on the seafront in a ‘timeless manner’. The area’s rich seaside history provides all with a truly fascinating story. Within the pages of this book, Eastbourne expert Roy Douglas charts the town’s history through a unique selection of old photographs, prints and postcards to show what life was like for Eastbourne’s past residents, and to highlight the celebrations and the struggles that this picturesque, bustling town has witnessed.