On this date in 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. Yet we Yanks love Regency historical romance books! Please join me in welcoming Regency historical romance author Regina Scott!
Oh, how I envy those of you who live close to a beach. I grew up on Puget Sound but moved inland. Though the Columbia River flows less than two miles from my house, walking along its shores is simply not the same as strolling along an ocean beach. Maybe that’s why, when given the opportunity to return to my beloved Regency period and write for Love Inspired Historicals, I decided to set the story in Scarborough.
Oh, how I envy those of you who live close to a beach. I grew up on Puget Sound but moved inland. Though the Columbia River flows less than two miles from my house, walking along its shores is simply not the same as strolling along an ocean beach. Maybe that’s why, when given the opportunity to return to my beloved Regency period and write for Love Inspired Historicals, I decided to set the story in Scarborough.
Scarborough in Yorkshire claims to be the first seaside resort in England, with bathing machines (covered wagons that were pulled into the surf to allow you to bathe in privacy) as early as 1735. But it was the discovery of mineral waters at Scarborough’s South Bay that really put the elegant town on the map. People came from all over England to partake of the waters, which were said to have healing properties. The population of the town doubled in size during the summer and early fall.
Another attraction of Scarborough its own picturesque castle on the headland that bisects the town. Thanks to German bombs in WWII, the castle is now a ruin, but, in the nineteenth century, it was still habitable and even boasted barracks for soldiers. So, not only could you get your fill of the sea, you could sigh over men in uniform as well!
The mineral water spa itself was particularly impressive, not only in grandeur but in the fact that it kept rising from the ashes! Damage from storms and sea surges in 1808 and 1836 required the main building to be completely rebuilt. In 1827, the Cliff Bridge was opened, making it easier to reach the spa from the town. Architect Henry Wyatt created a Gothic Saloon with gorgeous turrets in 1839; the building included a concert hall seating 500, a garden, a lovely promenade overlooking the sea, and an outside amphitheatre for concerts. But even these amenities proved too small for the crowds flocking to Scarborough.
In 1858, entirely new buildings opened to the public. Built on a grand scale, these were designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the landscape gardener and architect responsible for the grounds of major country estates and London pavilions. His assembly hall could seat 2,000. His promenade was double the size of Wyatt’s and included a carriage road, a colonnade for shops, and another amphitheatre. According to spa historians, Scarborough Spa was the second most popular concert hall outside London at the time. Unfortunately, those wonderful buildings were destroyed by fire in 1876!
In 1858, entirely new buildings opened to the public. Built on a grand scale, these were designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, the landscape gardener and architect responsible for the grounds of major country estates and London pavilions. His assembly hall could seat 2,000. His promenade was double the size of Wyatt’s and included a carriage road, a colonnade for shops, and another amphitheatre. According to spa historians, Scarborough Spa was the second most popular concert hall outside London at the time. Unfortunately, those wonderful buildings were destroyed by fire in 1876!
That didn’t stop the intrepid people of Scarborough. They rebuilt again in 1879 and opened the current historic buildings in 1880. The town still welcomes visitors intent on playing on the beach and indulging in the waters of the spa.
Regina Scott longs to journey to Scarborough, the setting of her June release, The Irresistible Earl. Learn more about the book and Regina’s novels at http://www.reginascott.com/.
Mahalo, Regina, for joining us today at SOS Aloha! Regina is giving away a copy of the IRRESISTIBLE EARL to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about your favorite seaside destination.
2. This giveaway is open to US residents but I welcome comments from our international readers.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, June 25, 10 pm in Dayton. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 26.
Mahalo,
Kim in Tampa
I grew up in Miami but spent my summers visiting Granny Millie in Torquay (Southwest England). In its day, it was referred to as the "English Riviera" ... but then English families could afford to travel to South France to visit the real Riviera. My favorite seaside resort was Oddicombe Beach. We took the cliff railroad down to the stony beach. Somehow my great rock collection never made it back to Florida!
Mahalo, Regina, for joining us today at SOS Aloha! Regina is giving away a copy of the IRRESISTIBLE EARL to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about your favorite seaside destination.
2. This giveaway is open to US residents but I welcome comments from our international readers.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, June 25, 10 pm in Dayton. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 26.
Mahalo,
Kim in Tampa
I grew up in Miami but spent my summers visiting Granny Millie in Torquay (Southwest England). In its day, it was referred to as the "English Riviera" ... but then English families could afford to travel to South France to visit the real Riviera. My favorite seaside resort was Oddicombe Beach. We took the cliff railroad down to the stony beach. Somehow my great rock collection never made it back to Florida!
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| Oddicombe Beach devonvisitor.blogspot.com |
I grew up going to the beach on summer weekends. However, Drake's Beach really isn't one to go into the water at - too cold. Still fun though.
ReplyDeleteI am International, so can't enter. I head for the beach every Summer. I'm lucky that I have family on the coast, so it's an all inclusive holiday. Aren't the bathing huts gorgeous?
ReplyDeleteI love to visit the sea at Flagler Beach and Anna Maria Island when I am in Florida.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Chicago we would go down to the beach on Lake Michigan or picnic on the Fox River.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Ky, the only beaches around were either at lakes or rivers. I did spend alot of time at these though. Now, I would mainly rather just stay home and get in the pool. I have not seen the ocean, but would love to at some time.
ReplyDeleteAloha, Kim! Aloha, Regina! I grew up on the coast of Mississippi, but never thought much about it until I moved away. Now I miss it like crazy: the water, the sand beneath my feet, the heady aroma of salt-laden air, the constant breeze. When I go back to visit, I try and make a point to head for the beach (preferably in the evening hours, as I burn easily).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book release, Regina! Looks like a wonderful tale!
I enjoyed Regina's musings on Scarborough and look forward to reading her book.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on the Gulf Coast, so the beaches along there are the ones I think of first.
Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! Marybelle, I thought the bathing huts looked cute until I saw one that belonged to Queen Victoria--now that was gorgeous! June, all I have are rivers right now too, unless I want to drive 4 hours to Puget Sound or 6 hours to the Pacific. And Alyssia, you made me so homesick! I grew up on Puget Sound and I still inhale deeply when I go see my parents, just to taste more of that tidal air.
ReplyDeleteI live in southwest PA so no beaches there lol but I have been lucky to vacation on some. The latest was year before last in Coco Beach, Fl. I hope to go back some day!
ReplyDeletecatslady
hello! i dont really have much beach or anything like that around where i live. i did go to oregon once and the beach there was awesome! the water was a pretty blue and warm. in some spots you could see the bottom. i loved it there! thank you for the giveway!
ReplyDeletecatslady--I've been to Florida a few times, but mostly on the Gulf side where Kim is right now--beautiful white sands and shells everywhere! But the Oregon beaches are totally different, like you said, Shadow. You're welcome about the giveaway! I hope the winner enjoys the book!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason Hubs and I tend to gravitate toward Daytona Beach. I think it may be due to our familiarity to the area. We always took the girls there when they were small and as a family we made many goods memories there. Now, we want to explore we haven't been before; well we try!
ReplyDeleteI live 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. My favorite beach is a a strip of sand called Whiskey Run Beach.
ReplyDeleteI love going to Panama City and Gulf Shores :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Irresistible Earl sounds fantastic! I want me an Irresistible Earl ;-)
So many great beaches! I think I better write these down on my "places to visit someday" list. Thanks Artemis, Estella, and Chelsea. And Chelsea, I want me an irresistible earl too. Though, being married, I'd have to resist. LOL
ReplyDeleteSo many great beaches to remember. Connecticut has some but they are not that great. I do love Hammanasset though. I went for training once on the tidal flats and used to take kids. Lvoe the history.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at aol dot com
I adore the English Seasides, but my favorite place in the UK is Largs Scotland on thee firth of Clyde My Uncle Duncan took us there when I was 9 he gave me a bag of Pennies to play the Arcade played in the water with my cousins ( all boys).
ReplyDeleteNow when I go home to Scotland I make a point of going there for the day.( except this year).
Have a wonderful day.
Ann/alba