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Margate had an advantage in that it could be reached from London by the corn hoys (freight barges) that plied the Thames estuary. Carrying Thanet grain to London, they returned during the summer laden with holidaymakers. Being a relatively cheap means of travel, they quickly attracted customers from the lower reaches of society, particularly the East End. The upper and middle classes scorned to use this means of transport. Although they frequently sent their servants by the hoys, they themselves travelled by stagecoach or by private carriage. In 1815, the steam packets started serving Gravesend and the Thanet resorts. They were cheaper than the stagecoaches and faster and more reliable than the hoys. During the 1820’s and 30’s, fierce competition caused prices to drop dramatically, and this contributed greatly to the falling social tone of Margate and Gravesend. Once the railways spread across the country the seaside became within the reach of all but the very poorest people. They were also responsible for the advent of a new phenomenon, namely the day excursion. Beside the sea - Hotel Brighton >>> 18/19 Charlotte Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2
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In
the early days of visits to the seaside, travel was mainly by stagecoach.
The road system was beginning to improve about this time, following the
setting up of turnpike trusts across the country, and with the introduction
of springs, the coaches themselves were becoming much more comfortable.
In 1762, London to Brighton by stagecoach was a whole day’s journey.
By 1791, this had been reduced to nine hours and by 1811, it was a mere
six hours.