Applied Coastal Geomorphology

THE coast in this country has been for many centuries of interest to
those 'that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business
in great waters', but the scientific study of the coast is a very recent
development. Even as a place for holidays the attraction of the coast
is relatively new. The first coastal resort in this country -it was then
called a spa - was Scarborough. In 1626 a certain Mrs Farrow
noticed a medicinal spring in the cliffs, and made it known. She was
aided by Dr Wittie, a good propagandist, who also advocated the
drinking of sea water because, he claimed, it cured gout and 'all manner ofworms'. The habit ofdrinking sea water for medicinal purposes
continued even into Victorian times. But the attraction of the sea for
bathing and for holidays gradually increased, and certain places
became popular. The association of Brighton with the Prince Regent
and of Weymouth with George III are well-known examples. But it
was not until the building of railways and the increasing speed and
ease of travel that the coast became popular in any general sense