麻豆社

Scarborough鈥檚 watchword became 鈥渃arry on鈥� according to war-time brochures and advertisements, following rumours from 鈥渋dle鈥� and 鈥渕alicious gossipers鈥� trying to 鈥渋njure Scarborough鈥� by saying it wasn鈥檛 open for business after the bombardment of December 1914.

鈥淔oolish鈥� and 鈥済roundless鈥� was how Scarborough鈥檚 Mayor and Town Clerk described 鈥渕ischievous rumours鈥� that Scarborough鈥檚 attractions were closed due to the outbreak of war and the bombardment of the city. They placed advertisements in local and national newspapers, and a pamphlet was published conveying a similar message. It detailed the entertainments and accommodation available in the town, referencing locations such as the Spa, the Grand Floral Hall and the boating on Peasholm Park.

The war started at the height of the tourist season close to the August Bank holiday, and acts performing in some of the town鈥檚 venues incorporated war time songs to mirror the patriotic mood of the time.

After the bombardment in December 1914, memorabilia, such as ceramic gifts, mounted pieces of shrapnel and black and white postcards depicting the bombardment were also for sale. Later, the town received money from a special fund to help distressed towns. However, by 1917, there is evidence that the tourism industry in Scarborough was reviving.

Location: Royal Hotel Scarborough, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 2HE
Image of a postcard illustrating the damage to Royal Hotel Scarborough following German Zeppelin raids
Photograph courtesy of Scarborough Museums Trust
Presented by 麻豆社 Reporter, Jonathan Cowap

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