The first page to the chapter on the history of Lyme Regis. The author begins with a quote from Tennyson's In Memoriam, which describes the constantly changing nature of the landscape: 'The hills are shadows, and they flow/ From form to form, and nothing stands!'
The author also mentions the light railway that travelled to Lyme from Axminster. Parts of the journey are, he writes, 'most enjoyable'. The introduduction of the railway in this area allowed Lyme to prosper as a tourist destination.
About The Seaport Town of Lyme Regis
This guidebook to Lyme Regis was published in 1912, and provides information on the geology and history of the area. According to the preface, the book aimed to appeal to a wide variety of readers - from tired workers taking weekend breaks to serious geologists and archaeologists. The book is also packed with advertisements for a bizarre mixture of goods: flea powder, seasickness draughts, fire insurance, landscape photographs, piano hire. All of these adverts promoted commercial establishments in the town - actually most of them publicise shops belonging to F.Dunster, who is also the publisher of the book.