In 1954, Julian Watson of Holland Park Avenue in London received a postcard from Hove in East Sussex, showing the promenade as it would have looked c.1905. The image included strolling men in straw boaters and women in extravagant headgear. It claimed also to feature King Edward VII’s favourite seat.
The message on the reverse of the card read: ‘Back Monday. Weather too awful. Hope you’re well. H.’
In August 1906 Alfred ‘Alf’ Leicester visited London from Bridgwater in Somerset with his friend (also called Alf). On 21 August he sent this picture postcard of Oxford Street home to his sister.
On the reverse, Alf wrote:
Dear Sis,
Getting on alright so far. Having lovely weather. Alf went back last night. Annie just had a PC [postcard] from him to say he got home safe. He says it was raining in Cardiff. We have not seen any rain yet. Eh, what? You say you would like to go down Oxford Street, shopping? I suppose you would. Kind regards to all from all,
Alf.
London Historitage 