Modern Withernsea was a creation of the railway age. Before the Hull and Holderness line arrived in 1854 the twin settlements of Withernsea and Owthorne comprised just 'a handful of houses with a single shop'.
Under chairman Anthony Bannister, a Hull merchant, the railway company had ambitious plans to develop the town.
A palatial hotel was built beside the station but few other buildings were realised.
Nevertheless Withernsea developed on a more modest scale, becoming a popular resort for the people of Hull until the closing of the railway in 1965.
Godfrey Holmes is an author, speaker and feature writer for the Independent newspaper [more ...]. Educated at Withernsea High School, he has returned to live in the town since retirement.
New members always welcome!
More information: hedon.history@gmail.com