Pleasure Beach Postcards

South Shore developed much later than the central part of Blackpool, and the origins of Pleasure Beach, named as such in 1905, began in the 1890s. The gypsies had long practised fortune telling in the South Shore Sandhills down by 'The Star' Inn, which features on many cards of the day.

The Gypsies were joined by a miscellany of showmen from various locations, and the tram terminus adjacent to Victoria Pier brought visitors in droves from the North...

Imagine, if you will, a balmy summer evening in the 1890's. You are in Blackpool, during a 'Wakes Week' holiday, you have a good landlady, very kind and helpful, and she has suggested that you might like to visit South Shore - right at the end of the prom, to experience the simple amusements which have been gathered there for visitors.

Emerging from your electric tram by the pier, you stroll down the prom, enjoying the refreshing breeze blowing in from the sea, taking in the local views with rising excitement as you see the flags and banners of the amusements in the distance.

As you approach, the sound of a barrel organ and the excited chatter of the visitors, along with the exaggerated claims of the fairground 'barkers', and the clank of machinery, together with the joyful screams of the switchback riders reach your ears!

You have arrived at the embryonic 'Pleasure Beach', with its Carousel, Switchback Railway and other simple rides.

There are food stalls, pie and peas, fortune tellers, phrenologists, shooting galleries, and all sorts of fun to be had!