How a seaside town realised it needed public loos
Summary
Eastbourne, a seaside town in Britain, faced problems in the Victorian era because it did not have enough public toilets for its many visitors. After a large number of people used an inadequate spot for toilets in 1870, the local council started to build public toilets, although some resisted this. Women’s public toilets were introduced many years later, around 1900.Key Facts
- Eastbourne grew into a popular seaside resort during the Victorian era with thousands of tourists arriving by train.
- In 1870, over 1,000 people used a small stable near the pier as a toilet, exposing the lack of public toilets.
- The first men’s public toilet was built in 1873 near the seafront on military land, but no sign was put up until 1890.
- Some local landowners, like the Duke of Devonshire, opposed public toilets on their land, calling them improper.
- The town council was male-led and initially rejected plans for women’s public toilets until around 1900.
- The growing number of tourists finally pushed the council to provide necessary public conveniences.
- Today, some public toilets in Eastbourne, such as those at Eastbourne Pier, charge £1 to use.
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