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Seaside Humour

Some of the many 'humorous' postcards that have been available through the years

By John Layton

One of the never-changing aspects of seaside holidays is the humorous postcard, whether it be a comment on the type of lodgings or just a saucy 'double entendre'.

Some of the less 'offensive' type can be seen here:

In the first you can see that, at the height of the season, 'board' and lodgings can take on a whole new meaning!

The second shows that what you read in the holiday brochures may not be exactly accurate - the Grand Central is obviously a cheap boarding house!

The third shows the practice, at the height of the season, of Landladies lodging several single gentlemen in the same room!

The fourth card shows part of the seamier side of seaside holidays, with the poor honeymooning couple being required to show their marriage certificate - a nod to the original 'dirty weekend'!

The fifth card is just a play on the meaning of a 'warm welcome'.

The sixth card is a modern take on the old 'guest house' rules an regulations.

Photo:Seaside humour postcard reading "I've just secured 'Board' and Lodgings!

Photo:Seaside humour postcard reading 'I'm staying at the Grand Central'

Photo:Seaside humour postcard reading 'It's very full, but I've got good quarters AT SKEGNESS (obviously mass-produced - insert location here) - a quarter of a bed with three others

Photo:Seaside humour postcard reading 'Sammy and Sally on their honeymoon'

Photo:Seaside humour postcard reading 'Come to where the Landladies extend a warm welcome'

Photo:Seaside humour postcard reading 'Being very well looked after'

This gallery was added by John Layton on 03/07/2007.

Comments about this page

Hi John, love the postcards! I'm researching a documentary programme involving the seaside landlady stereotype - I was wondering if you could help me in determining how true this stereotype is...? Is there any way I can contact you? Thanks, Rachel

By Rachel Cumella
On 28/07/2010

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