Norfolk Victorian Seaside Resorts & Fishing Villages
- East & West Runton
The Runtons had always been a farming, fishing and agricultural area. Around 1902 this changed when the railways were being built and viaducts were constructed at East Runton. At this time many farmworkers went to work on railways and bridges where they benefitted from better rates of pay. Similar to the surrounding villages the railways also led to the growth of tourism. With both East and West Runton situated between Cromer and Sheringham, they were well placed to claim their share of holidaymakers in search of wonderful beaches. Of course the latest claim to fame is fossil hunting, an occupation given a particular boost in 1990 when a mammoth skeleton was discovered at West Runton.
Beach huts. bathing machines and just plain camping tents. A simple turn of the century holiday resort
More Beach huts etc. nestling under the cliffs, which have yet to give up its many fossil treasures
A prosperous looking high street for a small seaside town, c.1900
Is this a travelling saleman on the High Street? The people seem to be congregating around a cart of some description, c.1900
The pond on the Common was clearly very popular with the youngsters - or are they just posing?
A view across the cliffs.
The gap remains c.1900
Building these viaducts provided work for the villagers The resulting railways brought the holidaymakers changing the Runtons dramatically.
The erosion of the cliffs is clear on this photo taken around 1900.
The common may still exist but this view has a charm from a bygone age
