Clevedon was a small but prosperous farming settlement until the population outgrew the houses and cottages available in the late eighteenth century. These were replaced by comfortable Regency villas, followed later by the Victorian mansions and large houses descending the slopes towards the old village itself with its working terraces. Many of the photographs in this fascinating collection show the evolution of Clevedon into a seaside resort and its later identity as a dormitory town for Bristol. Though it now has a motorway junction, it once had two railways and, previous to that, excellent carriage links to the city. The sea has also played its part and the town no proudly boasts the only Grade 1 Listed pier the country open to the public. Another wonderful survival is the Curzon, the oldest continuously running purpose-built cinema in Europe and where the first moving images of the town where shown in 1912. Featuring over 200 old photographs and informative captions, this will delight anyone interested in the history of Clevedon.

Books by Jane S. Lilly