Cromer

Cromer in North Norfolk was largely developed as a resort in the Victorian period. The town perhaps reached the height of its popularity in the 50's and 60's when large numbers of visitors from London and the Midlands holidayed there. Cromer was once important enough to have two railway stations with direct services from many parts of the country. This is not a large town, the population is less than eight thousand so it must have seemed quite crowded in the summer time. Cromer has a pier, a lifeboat station and a few boats still go out fishing. Crab has always been an important catch and there were once many shops and stalls selling fresh or dressed crab to locals and visitors.
Fewer visitors come these days although new attractions have been introduced to try to revive the trade. Many of the former hotels and guest houses now provide accommodation for social services.
This is still a very attractive town, the rolling countryside is quite different from the flat plains of much of Norfolk.
Out of season Cromer can be cold. The vicious east wind seems to carry shards of ice which penetrate the heaviest of clothing.

Watercolour painting by David Easton