On July 23, 1934 Tower Foreshore, by Tower Bridge, was officially opened to the public.
King George V decreed that it was to be used by the
children of London, promising “free access for ever”.
It was such a roaring success that between 1934 and 1939 over 500,000 people dipped their toes in the water on London’s very own seaside.
Children built sandcastles and swam in the “sea”, there were even rowing boats for hire. They were allowed to go under Tower Bridge, and back again, for the cost of 3d (about 2.5p).
Toffee apple sellers, entertainers and deck-chair men were among the characters that would be found on Brighton or Southend beaches – but they were also here.
Beach-life revival
And today, if the campaign group “Reclaim the Beach” has anything to do with it, beach-life will be a prominent part of summer life for the city again.
The group regularly host public parties at the Festival Pier – complete with specially imported sand as the original sand has all but disappeared.
