Continuity and Change in a Mid-Victorian Resort: Ramsgate, 1851-1871

Using linked information from the census enumerators' books of 1851 and 1871, and rate books, the thesis examines processes and spatial patterns in Ramsgate during the mid-Victorian period. Socio-economic structure is examined in terms of family, household,

housing, occupation and class. Stability over the period is shown to be clearly evident, not only with respect to individual variables, but also with respect to the relationships between them. It is shown that rateable values are the best single indicator of status available, and

also that the life cycle operated independently of other variables. Residential mobility is examined using birthplaces and rate book material. The main currents of in-migration are shown to have been relatively constant and several of Ravenstein's laws of migration are

demonstrated as having been in operation. Very high turnover rates are revealed, however, and it is shown that the persistency rates were in inverse proportion to the poverty of a district. Spatial patterns are examined by computer mapping techniques (SYMVU)

based on three hectare grid squares, over 98% of the houses having been previously identified on contemporary maps. Several additional relationships are revealed. Segregation is further examined using a correlation matrix between 44 variables calculated on a street basis, and segregation indices. It is shown that segregation tended to increase over the period, caused by persons in Classes I and II seeking more exclusive locations. The final chapter attempts to resolve the dichotomy of a town 80 stable in overall structure yet so fluid in terms of its population. Possible future research avenues are then outlined.