The origins of Margate can be traced back to about 1050. The town developed its identity as a holiday resort during the first quarter of the nineteenth century when the journey time from London by steam boat was six hours. By 1860 the railway had made the town accessible to visitors from the capital in only two hours. The images that appear in this book cover the period from 1870 to 1939 when professional photographs recorded many aspects of Margate, its townspeople and its many thousands of holidaymakers. The superb illustrations presented here have been taken from the author's personal collection and readers will see that many areas of the town have altered beyond all recognition, while other parts have remained the same for over 100 years. This book brings to life the social history of Margate through the reigns of four sovereigns, from Queen Victoria to King George VI; it will evoke long-forgotten memories of the town and give great pleasure to all who know and love this seaside town.