The humble postcard—a fleeting communication, often dashed off in a moment of seaside delight—is a treasure trove of historical snapshots. Today, we're holding one such treasure: a vintage card featuring the dramatic cliffs of Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, paired with a charming, personal message.
Let's dive in and see what secrets this century-old correspondence holds.
Part I: The Postmark & Dating the Card
To get a precise date, we can analyse the stamp and the faint postmark details:
1. The Stamp
The stamp is a King George V Halfpenny green definitive stamp. This particular design, featuring the King's profile, was in use for a long period, but the 'Halfpenny' value places it generally within the years where that rate was standard for postcards. The design shown, often referred to as the 'George V Head', was first issued around 1912.
2. The Postmark
The visible part of the postmark clearly shows "TUNBRIDGE WELLS" (or possibly "TUNBRIDGE W[ells]") and a date that includes "NOV" and a visible "2" in the year slot (though this is less certain). The stamp itself has a faint cancellation mark showing a date of "NOV 2 19[xx]".
Considering the style of the script, the postcard format, and the King George V stamp, a likely window for this card is the 1910s or 1920s. Given that the postcard is often a brief holiday note, the "NOV 2" date suggests it was mailed after a visit, perhaps a late autumn break or a trip related to the writer's work.
Part II: The Image – Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine is famous as the UK's oldest amusement park, established in 1843. However, the photograph here focuses on the natural drama of the chine (a steep coastal ravine).
The image shows a wild, rugged landscape with clear, dramatic erosion of the soft sandstone and clay cliffs. Note the stepped pathways and wooden railings snaking up the slope. This is typical of Blackgang Chine's early appeal, where visitors were drawn not by dinosaurs and theme rides, but by the sheer, imposing geology and the Victorian fascination with the sublime and sometimes dangerous coastline. The chine is notoriously prone to landslips, and this picture perfectly captures its imposing and ever-changing nature.
Part III: Decoding the Message
The message, addressed to "Dear Mum" (or perhaps "Dear Nunn", though "Mum" is more likely for the time), reveals a fascinating personal story:
The Writer's Location: The writer is clearly away from home and is posting the card from Tunbridge Wells.
A "Busman's Holiday"? The key phrase is, "I have been playing in the Band at a large Hospital and had a lovely time." This suggests the writer is a musician who may have travelled to Tunbridge Wells to perform for the patients at a large military or convalescent hospital. The use of "lovely time" indicates a positive experience despite the context of a hospital.
The Missing Man: The writer mentions not having seen a friend or relative named "Harry" yet. The reason for this delay is intriguing: "He has been up to see me in a bit of a rush and was got in so he must wait till I have time to run up and see him again." This is a little unclear but likely means Harry was busy, perhaps with his own duties or work, and the writer was busy with the band, forcing a delay in their meeting.
The Recipient: The card is addressed to:
Mrs Tanner
62A London Rd
W Croydon, Surrey
The detail of "62A" is important, as it suggests the Tanners may have lived in a specific flat or a property divided for multiple occupancy, a detail that could allow a genealogist to precisely locate the family.
The Conclusion: A Glimpse of Sacrifice
This postcard, despite its brief nature, paints a vivid picture. It captures a moment of respite and personal connection during a time likely marked by collective sacrifice. If this card dates to the 1914–1918 (WWI) period, the "large Hospital" could very well have been a military hospital or convalescent home treating wounded servicemen, making the band's performance an act of patriotic morale boosting. The sender's cheerful tone about having a "lovely time" is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the era.
This little card, though traveling only from Kent to Surrey, carries the echoes of a dramatic Isle of Wight coastline and a touching moment of service.
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