The Great Yarmouth Mercury was founded in 1880 and has seen the
town and area rise and fall, and rise again, over the decades.
From a traditional, hard-working and prosperous fishing town Great
Yarmouth became one of the top holiday resorts in the UK.
Bombed in the first-ever air raid - by Zeppelin in the first world
war - it became a major port target for the Germans in the second
world war.
The changing fortunes of the town meant it had to turn away from
its dependency on herring, and instead turned its attention to tourism,
attracting millions of holidaymakers to its hotels, guest houses
and burgeoning number of caravan and chalet parks. Major stars of
showbiz mingled with happy holidaymakers who flocked to their shows...
but when the holiday on the Continent became more attractive, the
resort's fortunes dwindled once again.
Great Yarmouth has been re-inventing itself throughout the 126
years of the Mercury's existence and it continues to change, with
major projects planned in the next decade, including an outer harbour
with ferry link to Holland and the long-term task of a urban regeneration
company to create thousands of new jobs and homes.
It's heritage is recognised as being one of the best in East Anglia,
with ancient town walls and many museums and places of interest,
including the award-winning Time and Tide Museum, Elizabethan House,
Tolgate Museum, Nelson's Monument and the majestic Town Hall next
to the still-working River Yare.
The Mercury today still holds dear the principles set out in 1880
- to provide local people with news and views which affect their
lives and livelihoods.
It continues to be the Voice of the Community, championing causes
- and shouting about the good news, and there is a lot thanks to
a massive amount of regeneration cash both from the UK and the EU,
all changing the borough's fortune again.
Its aim is provide LOCAL news, LOCAL views and LOCAL sport in
a unique package - and a darn good read!