Struggle and Suffrage in Torbay: Women's Lives and the Fight for Equality

The role of women during the mid-19th to mid-20th century is little documented; however, it was a time of great political and social change. The growth and popularity of seaside resorts after 1850 was a pivotal factor in influencing women's lives and the population fluctuated as temporary residents arrived for seasonal opportunities as entertainers, domestic servants and lodging house keepers. Sea-bathing for its health benefits became fashionable among the aristocracy and the seaside was c...