Seaburn and Roker: Images of England

This book traces the development of Sunderland's twin seaside resorts from the isolated scattered farmhouses and deserted beaches of the mid-nineteenth century, through to the growth of Roker as a rising seaside resort with congested promenades and crowded beaches, to its decline in popularity after the Second World War when Roker's 'little sister', Seaburn, expanded. The inclusion of Fulwell within the Borough boundaries in 1928 gave the Corporation of Sunderland the opportunity to 'open out' Seaburn and fulfil their ambitions to become the leading North East coast resort town. Despite interests and holiday destinations changing over the past two decades, however, and the fact that our resorts have seen better days, Wearsiders are still attracted to the seaside when the sun shines. Seaburn and Roker are held in affection where we return with out children and grandchildren to give them their first experiences of exploring the sand with bucket and spade, plodging, searching rock pools for sea life, building sand castles and the thrill of a ride on the fair. As well as compiling an illustrated history of Seaburn and Roker the authors have provided Wearsiders with a massive dose of nostalgia which will create an awareness and appreciation of Sunderland's interesting and beautiful coastline.