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Nostalgic East: Fun and frolics through the years in two gorgeous seaside towns

PUBLISHED: 08:30 27 March 2019 | UPDATED: 09:03 27 March 2019

Cromer Carnival's Bonny Baby Show, 31 July 1964. Photo: Archant Library

They’re two of Norfolk’s favourite towns, and as part of a Nostalgic East series running in the Eastern Daily Press, REBECCA MACNAUGHTON looks back at days gone by in Sheringham and Cromer.

Holidaymakers enjoying the sunshine in Cromer. 15 August 1969. Photo: Archant Library

At the top of the Norfolk coast are two of the country’s favourite seaside towns, famous for fabulous beaches, pretty cottages, crabs, fish and fantastic festivals.

Cromer prospered as a fishing village and port about 600 years ago, with its prestigious and large parish church a good indication of its wealth in the medieval period. It declined somewhat until the late Georgian period, when it became the sea spa destination of choice for well to do families. Later the seafront was revamped with new promenades perfect for enjoying the sea views, and a pier built between 1899 and 1901.

Sheringham has long been a farming and fishing community and by 1850 there were more than 100 boats setting out almost daily to catch mainly lobsters and crabs. When the railway arrived in 1887 Sheringham’s fame spread as that morning’s catch could be in London four hours later. Soon middle class Londoners discovered the town at the end of the line and rented local cottages for the summer, beginning the boom in second home owners and tourism.

Among our selection of archive photographs of Cromer you’ll see a fantastic shot of people enjoying the beach from the late 60s, as well as an aerial shot showing the cliffs.

The 1984 Cromer Town Hall facade with the row of coats and arms. Picture: Archant library

Our pictures for Sheringham show the £2.5 million Splash centre being enjoyed in the 90s as well as the town’s railway lines in the 60s.

Did you know?

Norfolk’s (and in fact East Anglia’s) highest point, known as Beacon Hill, is located between Sheringham and Cromer.

MORE: Nostalgic East: Winding back the clock on another north Norfolk town.

Aerial view of Cromer. Picture: Archant Archive

Cycling in Cromer in 1980. Photo: Archant Library

Church Street in 1979. Picture: Archant Library

Fancy dress at Cromer Carnival in 1982. Photo: Archant Library

Paper boat race at North Lodge Park in Cromer , 31 July 1979. Photo: Archant Library

Places - S Mr. H.E. West's shop sign at Sheringham. Dated 21 January 1969 Photograph C7923

Places - S Transport - Trains Spectators have turned up at Sheringham to see two steam locomotives. In the foreground, the boiler front is marked GER and underneath, Miss Sheringham. The second engine appears to have the number 6672 on its side. Dated June 1967 Photograph C7907 Published in EDP "Down Memory Lane" 21 August 2003

Transport - Trains The 34-ton saddle tank locomotive, a new arrival for the M & G.N. (Midland and Great Northern) Joint Railway Society at Sheringham, takes to the rails soon after arrival by road. Dated 15 April 1969 Photograph C10122