The Sea Front
One of the most popular pastimes for visitors and Worthing's residents is a stroll along the promenade on a glorious sunny day. The development of the sea front in the 19th century marked the town's growth from a small fishing hamlet into a flourishing seaside resort.
Until the 1700s Worthing's beach was only enjoyed by the local fishing, and farming communities and passing travellers. By the end of the 18th century Worthing had become a popular destination for people seeking a cure for their ailments 'taking the waters'. These first visitors were wealthy fashionable people who expected a variety of entertainments, comfortable lodgings and regular dips in the sea. They would have also enjoyed the fashionable pastime of promenading along the seafront but at the time Worthing's seafront was a narrow roughly made-up road that divided the beach and the few buildings along the foreshore.
In 1821 The Esplanade was built, stretching for a half mile from Warwick Road to West Buildings it provided the right setting for promenading. In 1865 it was extended to Heene Road and renamed Marine Parade. It was possible to stroll along the length of the beach enjoying the sights and entertainments unique to a seaside town.
Over the years it has been possible to hire deck chairs, bathing machines and boats from the seafront, buy ice cream and hot dogs, listen to music and watch puppet shows. During the 1930's the parade began to be extended to Wallace and George V Avenues as West parade. On the east side of the Pier the promenade became Beach Parade from east of Warwick Road and then from New Parade to the Brighton Road, The Esplanade.
An elegant 'birdcage' bandstand was built west of the Pier in 1897. For nearly thirty years holidaymakers and residents enjoyed numerous band concerts; the Worthing Borough Band regularly performed there. In 1907 a shelter was erected between the bandstand and beach to provide seating for promenaders to enjoy the music in comfort. In 1925 the bandstand was demolished and replaced with the Band Enclosure, designed by Adshead and Ramsey, which was later renamed the Lido. The original canopy over the stage was replaced in 1929 by the present domed roof. Over the years interest in band music declined and eventually in 1957 the Lido was converted into an unheated swimming pool. These days the Lido is a family entertainment centre but live music can still be heard there most weeks.
In recent years the promenade has seen improvements such as new lighting columns, new shelters and planting schemes including palm trees. A stroll along the prom' is just as popular today as it was when it began.
See also 'Palm Trees'
See also 'The Pier'
The following display board, located on Worthing Seafront (to the west of the Pier) can be viewed at any time. Click on the link to view here.
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