Sutton on Sea (originally Sutton le Marsh) was a popular bathing place, with accommodation for visitors, as early as the eighteenth century.

Despite the large increase in trippers brought by the tramway from Alford and the train via the Willoughby-Mablethorpe loop, Sutton remained relatively quiet.

Shelters, like these modern concrete shells near the sea front, allow visitors to sit quietly and enjoy the sea air.

The principal attraction of Sutton-on-Sea has always been its clean and spacious sands. This postcard, posted in the 1920s, shows the North Sands

Kingway 'Real Photo' Series

Sutton on Sea is often considered the ‘posh’ neighbour of Mablethorpe but for years the two resorts competed for the holiday trade on equal terms.

The rail service brought thousands of day trippers and weekly boarders. The attractions of Sutton were simple: bracing air, clean sandy beaches and simple entertainments.

undated postcard

The core of Sutton on Sea: a bathing beach and a short promenade.

There was little or no entertainment laid on for the Edwardians at the time of this photograph.

undated postcard

This quiet and undistinguished street is now the relatively busy A52 which links Skegness and the small seaside places through to Mablethorpe.

The modest villas lining the road were built between 1890 and 1920.

undated postcard

Sutton On Sea Brick Kiln, (TF 504 808), is very similar to the kilns at Baumber and Farlesthorpe except for the absence of lean-to firing sheds.

(These lightweight structures have been removed in this kiln, though their bases remain.)

Bricks were produced here from about 1860 until the 1930s. This reflects the growth of Sutton as a seaside resort over this period, especially after the railway arrived.

Ken Redmore, 2006

A common problem in brickyards was the flooding of the pits from which brick-making clay was being excavated. In many instances a simple wind pump was erected for the removal of water from the pit.

This painting by Karl Wood is dated 1933, i.e. very shortly after the brickworks ceased operate. It is surprising to see the pump apparently in such poor repair.

This drawing by Peter Dolman shows the simple wind pump which operated at Sutton. There was no fantail mechanism to face the sail into the wind automatically.

The tower was constructed in brick and was about 12 feet high. Some brickyard windpumps in the Barton area had a lattice timber structure supporting the pump.

This church, the replacement for a medieval one lost to the sea, was built in 1819. The chancel was added in 1860.

Peter Kirk Collection, 2002