A Wartime Bank Holiday on Bournemouth Beach, 1944

A woman relaxing on Bournemouth beach on her August bank holiday in 1944, surrounded by tangles of barbed wire. Why she chose this spot we'll never know...

A notice on Bournemouth beach at the time reading: “The public may use and bathe from this part of the beach but at their own risk. Beware of barbed wire and other obstructions, do not touch any suspicious objects – by order 25th July 1944 Garrison Commander.”

Life of Bournemouth in 1920 Through Vintage Found Photos

Bournemouth is a coastal resort town on the south coast of England. With Poole to the west and Christchurch in the east, Bournemouth is part of the South East Dorset conurbation.

The town centre has notable Victorian architecture and the 202-foot (62 m) spire of St Peter’s Church, one of three Grade I listed churches in the borough, is a local landmark. Bournemouth’s location has made it a popular destination for tourists, attracting over five million visitors annually with its beaches and popular nightlife.

The town is also a regional centre of business, home of the Bournemouth International Centre or BIC, and a financial sector that is worth more than £1,000 million in gross value added.

Here is a set of fascinating found photos from Alwyn Ladell that shows life of Bournemouth in 1920.

Somewhere in Bournemouth

Bournemouth. "Looking for worms"

Bournemouth. A view from the first floor verandah of the Ascot Hotel (5 Sea View Terrace, Mae-Mar Hotel), looking north-west, 91 West Hill Road, West Cliff

Bournemouth. A view from the first floor verandah of the Ascot Hotel, looking north-west. This is now part of the Mae-Mar Hotel (incorporating the Ascot, Edgbaston and Queenswood Hotels), looking north, West Cliff

Bournemouth. A view from the second floor verandah of the Ascot Hotel, looking north-west. This is now part of the Mae-Mar Hotel (incorporating the Ascot, Edgbaston and Queenswood Hotels), looking south, West Cliff

Bournemouth. Alum Chine and Alumhurst Road, Westbourne

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30 Vintage Photos Capture Everyday Life of Bournemouth, England From Between the 1940s and '50s

Bournemouth is a large coastal resort town on the south coast of England directly to the east of the Jurassic Coast. With Poole to the west and Christchurch in the east, Bournemouth forms the South East Dorset conurbation.

The town centre has notable Victorian architecture and the 202-foot (62 m) spire of St Peter's Church. Bournemouth's location has made it a popular destination for tourists, attracting over five million visitors annually with its beaches and popular nightlife.

Here is a black and white photo collection that shows everyday life of Bournemouth from between the 1940s and 1950s.

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