During the boom in Margate’s popularity, a popular
past-time for holidaymakers was to visit Reading Rooms. These were a cross
between a library, museum of curiosities, games room and gossip hub. They were
a place for study (‘self-bettering’), socialising and coming together with
other summer visitors to play cards and other games.
“In Hawley Square is the new library, a
most elegant and spacious room, erected by Mr. Hall. There are two others; one
in the Church Field, kept by W. Silver; the other in a very pleasant spot near
the water, by Mr. Garner... where the papers are taken in, and tea and card
parties frequently formed.”
Universal British Directory - Margate 1791 (www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/)
“A good Reading-room is always open for
the accommodation of subscribers, as also a library of reference and
circulation. A museum is attached to the establishment, affording a rational
source of instruction and amusement.”
Isle of Thanet Directory – Williams 1849 (www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/)
Reading rooms were often associated with other
buildings and attractions such as bathing rooms, museums and institutes. They
were places for public events; organised raffles and card tournaments and
lectures on the latest scientific discoveries which were illustrated by
printed diagrams and accompanied by elaborate experiments.
Images
from http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/
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