A History of Women's Lives in Eastbourne

Book excerpt: A historian examines the developments in women’s lives over a period from 1850 to 1950 in the famous southeastern England seaside town. The southeast coastal town of Eastbourne is probably best known today as a popular holiday resort frequented by the retired generation. It has long, golden beaches and a gentile pace of life and, from that point of view, little has really changed from the mid-1850s to today. However, for the women of the town and their advancements and achievements, a significant period was between 1850 and 1950, when changes in medicine, education, family life, and the right to vote played an important part in their lives. The First and Second World Wars also brought about their own changes and challenges. A History of Women’s Lives in Eastbourne delves deep into these historical subjects and more.