VIEW THE WINTERTON HISTORY PHOTO GALLERYUntil the 20th century, Winterton-on-Sea was mainly a fishing & farming community: hence the name Winter town (fishing) and that of our neighbouring village (Somerton) Summer town (farming) Now the majority of employment is in the nearest town of Great Yarmouth - in tourism or the offshore and gas industries.
Winterton's first lifeboat - a 'surf boat' - was installed in 1859 and was replaced by a sailing boat in 1881.
The first lighthouse was built in 1616 and replaced in 1687 with an octagonal tower. During the 1914/1918 World War it became a military lookout post. The light was extinguished in 1921 and in 1922 has since been sold and developed as a private residence. The presence of a lighthouse demonstrates the dangerous nature of our coastline.
During the late 1800's and early 1900's, Winterton had a coastguard presence.
Until the early 1800's there was a market in Winterton - the only evidence today being the street names of 'Market Place; and 'North Market Road'.
Some 300 years ago the brick & flint, wood paneled Fishermans Return public house was built. Its 'Garden Room' was built over 100 years ago as an eating room for the passengers of horse drawn carriages and then 'charabangs' which came from Great Yarmouth on day trips. This tradition continues and the Garden Room is used as a function room for special occasions.
Prior to 1953, 'Winterton-on-Sea' was just 'Winterton'. The 'on Sea' was added to distinguish our village from Winterton in Lincolnshire.
Many Thanks to John Hartley for very kindly allowing his photographs to be reproduced on our site.
If you have any ideas or historic content that you think should be included in this History section (maybe you have photographs tucked away that could be included in the album above for all to see) please let us know.
In the meantime you might like to check out the following link for a great local history and genealogy resource:
http://www.origins.org.uk/genuki/NFK/places/w/winterton/
