In 1801, Weston-super-Mare had a population of only 138. By the time this photograph was taken, it had become a prosperous and popular seaside resort, which was connected by rail to nearby Bristol in 1841. The flat-bottomed boats seen here are taking visitors for short pleasure trips while many women shelter underneath umbrellas as tanning was highly unfashionable. The Grand Pier, an important landmark for Weston, was destroyed by fire in July 2008. This was a devastating event mourned by locals and visitors.