Skegness: A Coastal Chronicle
An academic exploration of Lincolnshire's prominent seaside town, from its historical evolution to its contemporary socio-economic landscape.
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Geographical Context
Location and Topography
Skegness is a seaside town and civil parish situated on the Lincolnshire coast of the North Sea. It is located within the East Lindsey District, approximately 43 miles (69 km) east of Lincoln and 22 miles (35 km) north-east of Boston. The town is positioned on the low-lying, flat region known as Lincolnshire Marsh, bordering the North Sea.
Coastal Dynamics and Geology
The area's geology consists of Cretaceous chalk formations overlaid by post-glacial tidal flat deposits of clay and silt. The shoreline is characterized by blown sand and beach deposits. Historically, Skegness was protected by offshore barrier islands, but rising sea levels and increased storm activity since the Middle Ages have led to significant coastal erosion, necessitating substantial sea defence infrastructure.
Climate Profile
Skegness experiences a temperate maritime climate, typical of the British Isles, with warmer summers and cooler winters. Lincolnshire, in general, benefits from sunshine and lower rainfall compared to many other UK regions. August typically sees the highest average daily temperatures, while January is the coldest month.
Historical Trajectory
Ancient Origins and Medieval Port
Evidence suggests Iron Age and Roman salt-making activities in the Skegness area. The town's Old Norse name, possibly referring to a headland, indicates Viking settlement. By the 14th century, Skegness was a locally significant port for coastal trade. However, coastal erosion, exacerbated by rising sea levels and storms from the 13th century onwards, led to the loss of the original settlement to the sea by the 1520s.
Transformation into a Seaside Resort
Following its coastal relocation, Skegness evolved into a small fishing and farming village. The late 18th century saw visits from local gentry for leisure. The pivotal moment arrived with the railway's extension in 1873, transforming Skegness into a popular seaside resort. The 9th Earl of Scarbrough's investment in infrastructure, driven by declining agricultural revenues, aimed to capitalize on the burgeoning tourism trend, particularly attracting holiday-makers and day-trippers from the industrial heartlands of the East Midlands.
Boom Years and Modern Era
The period from the 1890s to 1945 marked boom years, with Skegness becoming a major destination for mass tourism, characterized by cheap amusements and entertainment. The interwar years saw significant development, including the opening of Butlin's holiday camp in Ingoldmells in 1936. Post-World War II, the rise of affordable package holidays abroad and deindustrialization in the East Midlands impacted Skegness's visitor economy. However, the resort's affordability saw a resurgence in tourism following the 2007-2009 recession.
Economic Landscape
Tourism as a Primary Driver
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Skegness's economy, attracting millions of visitors annually and generating substantial direct and indirect expenditure. The town is recognized for its traditional seaside attractions, including amusement arcades, fairgrounds, the pier, and numerous eateries. Its affordability has made it a popular destination, particularly during economic downturns.
Retail and Industry
Skegness serves as a key commercial center for East Lindsey, with significant retail activity concentrated along High Street and Lumley Road, complemented by shopping centers and retail parks. While light industry exists, including manufacturing and specialized services, the economy is heavily reliant on the tourism sector, which often provides seasonal and lower-wage employment.
Challenges of Deprivation
Despite its tourism appeal, Skegness faces considerable socio-economic challenges. High levels of deprivation are linked to the seasonal nature of employment, a lack of higher-skilled job opportunities, and an aging population demographic. Poor transport links and limited access to further education also hinder economic diversification and the attraction of skilled professionals.
Demographic Profile
Population Trends and Structure
Skegness has experienced significant population growth, particularly following the development of its resort status. The 2011 census indicated a population of approximately 19,579 for the civil parish, with the broader built-up area exceeding 24,000. A notable demographic feature is the relatively older population compared to the national average, with a higher proportion of residents over 60 and a lower proportion of younger individuals.
Ethnicity and Health
The population of Skegness is predominantly White (approximately 97.6% in 2011), indicating lower ethnic diversity compared to national averages. Health indicators suggest a population with a higher prevalence of long-term illness and lower self-reported good health compared to the rest of England, potentially linked to the demographic profile and economic factors.
Housing and Workforce
Homeownership rates are lower than the national average, with a higher proportion of residents in the private rented sector. The workforce is significantly concentrated in service industries, particularly accommodation and food services, reflecting the town's tourism-driven economy. Educational attainment levels are generally lower than the national average, with a higher proportion of residents lacking formal qualifications.
Connectivity and Access
Rail Network
Skegness is served by Skegness railway station, the terminus of the East Midlands Railway's 'Poacher Line'. The station provides hourly services connecting to Nottingham via Grantham, offering access to wider regional networks. Despite past threats of closure, passenger services have been maintained and improved.
Road Infrastructure
Key arterial routes, including the A52 and A158 roads, provide primary access to Skegness. The A52 connects the town to major cities like Nottingham and Lincoln, while the A158 links it directly to Lincoln. The A1028 facilitates connections to the A16, enhancing regional road connectivity.
Bus Services
Stagecoach Lincolnshire operates the primary bus services within Skegness, offering regular routes to adjacent resorts like Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards. Lincolnshire InterConnect services extend connectivity along the coast and inland to Boston and Lincoln, providing essential public transport links.
Air Access
The nearest major international airport serving Skegness is East Midlands Airport, located approximately 90 miles (140 km) away. Humberside Airport is closer geographically but offers a more limited range of passenger services. A local airfield, Skegness Airfield (EGNI), caters to light aircraft operations.
Governance and Representation
Local Administration
Skegness operates under a two-tier local government structure. It forms a civil parish with its own Town Council, comprising 21 councillors across four wards. These councillors also represent Skegness on the East Lindsey District Council, which oversees broader district-level services. Representation at the county level is provided by Lincolnshire County Council.
Parliamentary and European Representation
Historically, Skegness has been part of various parliamentary constituencies. Currently, it falls within the Boston and Skegness constituency. The political landscape has seen shifts, with the constituency previously being a Conservative stronghold, though recent elections have indicated evolving voter preferences.
Public Utilities and Services
Utilities and Communications
Essential utilities such as gas, water, and electricity have been provided and managed through various public and private entities over time, reflecting national infrastructure developments. The town is served by Royal Mail, with multiple post office branches, and has a public library.
Emergency and Justice
Skegness is supported by local police and fire services operating from dedicated stations. The town has its own magistrates' court, which handles criminal cases. The presence of a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station underscores the importance of maritime safety along the coast.
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References
References
- This was an unofficial census carried out locally.[88]
- Museum of London Archaeology Service 2010.
- Kime 1986, p.ย 13. The full extent of these manors are given in Foster & Longley 1924, pp.ย 70, 137, 158.
- Although Kime 1986, p.ย 13, calls the bank medieval, he also dates work on it to the late 16th century (p. 83).
- The dates for the foundations of the water works, bathing pools and pier are from Kelly 1885, p.ย 621. See Kime 1986, p.ย 47 for the launching of the steamboats.
- Memorandum by Skegness Town Council, printed in House of Commons Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee 2006, p.ย Ev 37.
- East Lindsey District Council 2016, pp.ย 91, 97.
- East Lindsey District Council 2018b, pp.ย 36รขยย37.
- Wilkinson Williams & Savills 2013, pp.ย 48รขยย51.
- East Lindsey District Council 2018a, p.ย 13.
- House of Lords Select Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities 2019, p.ย 686.
- Office for National Statistics 2013, p.ย 20.
- District of East Lindsey (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1979, S.I. 1979/1415, which came into force on 5 May 1983. Specifically, the wards of St Clement's, Scarbrough, Seacroft and Winthorpe.
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