The Last Word

The Last Word

Most of the pictures below were reproduced from old postcards, and taken during 'heavy seas'; however, even on relatively calm days in the height of summer, scenes such as these are commonplace along various sections of Scarborough's shoreline. Holidaymakers are frequently treated to spectacular displays of thunderous water-jets spraying many yards into the air, and crashing down across the pathways and roads (some unsuspecting visitors discover these the hard way, while others watch with a sort of fiendish glee from a safe distance - I don't . . . honest!). Anne would have been enthralled by these dramatic spectacles which she was certain to have witnessed over the lengthily periods she spent at the resort;⁵¹ⁿ indeed, through Agnes Grey, she tells us of her delight in walking beside the sea, but particularly when it was in this condition:

'. . . the sea was my delight, and I would often gladly pierce the town to obtain the pleasure of a walk beside it . . . It was delightful to me at all times and seasons, but especially in the wild commotion of a rough sea-breeze . . .'.

. . . Agnes Grey.⁵²

The 'action' is seen here on Royal Albert Drive - the road that forms the promenade around Scarborough's North Bay. Both these pictures were taken around the turn of the century.⁵³ⁿ

Scarborough's South Bay - (Monday 12 March 1906)

The displays are no less spectacular at various locations around the South Bay. This is the view along Foreshore Road, and is seen from a point directly below the Grand Hotel (site of Wood's Lodgings). The silhouettes of St. Mary's Church (left) and the castle (centre) can be seen on the skyline. This photograph was taken during a storm on Monday 12 March 1906.⁵⁴ⁿ

Marine Drive (around the headland) (pre 1929)

Marine Drive (around the headland) (pre 1928)

More displays are seen along Marine Drive - the road that spans the base of the headland (these two views were taken around the 1920s ⁵⁵ⁿ). This section of road was not built until the turn of the century: in Anne's day, the whole area surrounding the headland was abound in rocks and boulders that had fallen from the cliff face, and she would have witnessed even more dramatic scenes as the waves crashed and thundered into these giant obstacles.

In these pictures the cliff is situated just to the left of the photographer, and climbs almost vertically for several hundred yards to the 'precipice' where, in Anne's novel, Edward Weston and Agnes Grey 'stood together, watching the splendid sunset mirrored in the restless world of waters at our feet . . . '.

'The restless world of waters' around Marine Drive (recent scene)

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I wish I could see how the ocean is lashing
The foam of its billows to whirlwinds of spray;
I wish I could see how its proud waves are dashing,
And hear the wild roar of their thunder today!

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The End

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26 - June - 99

Mick Armitage (e-mail)