taken way back in the 1860s
shows a woman in the doorway
and some men outside, all long since ghosts.
The top windows are open hinting at summer
and a figure strolls towards the inn
perhaps preparing for a night of sin.
Edwards the Smuggler enjoyed ale here,
what tales he must have told
yet now it has morphed into the Custom House
with two up-market fish restaurants
but I adore these ancient photographs
depicting life from a different age
decades before the pier...took centre stage.