Description:An article in the Edgbastonia magazine for January 1883 describes a somewhat hazardous trip undertaken to North Wales by an Edgbaston resident. The writer started out from Llandudno, and although he reached Holyhead which he warmly recommended for a pleasurable day out, he found the travelling arrangements very difficult and was relieved to find himself in Llandudno once again. At this time, resorts in North Wales were in the process of development, and in subsequent editions of Edgbastonia over the following twenty years, the charms of North Wales holiday resorts, particularly Llandudno, were regularly advertised and recommended.
There are parallels between Llandudno and Edgbaston: both were developed by wealthy, landowning, families. The Mostyn family benefited from the enclosure of land around Llandudno, and started to develop the resort as a commercial enterprise from 1849 onwards. By the time our Edgbaston resident visited in 1883, the first phase of the pier had been constructed and the Marine Drive was open. Over the next decade the pier was extended, more hotels were built, and in 1892 a new railway station was opened. We find Edgbastonia repeatedly carrying advertisements for Llandudno attractions. For example, in June 1892, along with advertising material for the Hydropathic and Winter Residence Company, articles entitled ‘A New Watering Place’, ‘A Haven of Health’ and ‘Llandudno Jottings’ exort Edgbaston residents to benefit from the clean air and healthy attractions of North Wales, and Llandudno in particular.
‘Is it possible to find a more suitable, attainable, and health-giving resort than Llandudno? A lovely spot, with both sea and mountain air perpetually turned on, with the advantage that, not only the dog-days, but during the months of November, December and January it maintains a temperature sufficiently moderate to dispense with the necessity for warmer clothing […] All those we have conversed with upon the subject assure us that, in the case of delicate children, the beneficial effect upon their health has been everything possible to desire’.<small><sup>1</sup></small>
This concert programme, dating from 1901, gives a flavour of cultural life for the tourist at the height of the season. People would spend weeks, even months, in the resort, particularly if they were convalescing in an institution such as the Hydropathic and Winter Residence. Postcards in the museum’s collection provide examples of Birmingham people corresponding with friends and relatives who are staying in Llandudno. For example, on an early postcard (1900 to 1903) Gertie from Sparkhill writes to Lily in Llandudno, having received a postcard from her.
<font color="#666633"><small><sup>1</sup> Edgbastonia (June 1892)</small></font>