(Photo credited to Tate UK originally from Joseph Mallord William Turner)

Yarmouth was defined by its location on the water, and many people became enraptured with the town, coming from all over the country to vacation or do business by the sea. In 1800-1850, Yarmouth was a prominent fishing and port town, as it lay on a 3.1-mile (5.0 km) spit of land, completely sandwiched between the North Sea and the River Yare. Yarmouth was the site of many military initiatives, and the anchorage off Yarmouth known as Yarmouth Roads was seen as one of England's best in the early 1800s, housing 3 separate fleets during the Napoleonic wars. Being stuck between the Yare and the North Sea, Yarmouth was a very cramped town, about a mile in length, and half a mile in breadth. Yarmouth had three main streets, and narrow passages led off towards the poorer outskirts of the town. There were also more houses than a classic town at the time since there was such a condensed population. The architecture was very mundane within the town. The houses were largely built in traditional Victorian style, and the buildings were small and pushed close together. The most famous architectural feature of the town, however, was the church of St. Nicholas, built in 1101, which was said to be the largest parish church in all of England at the time. Yarmouth was described as being more compact, neat, and well built than any town in England, and there was said to be a view of the sea from every location in town. As emphasized by the layout, Yarmouth was a seaside experience. The main attractions were a magnificent wharf that stretched across the town and a large harbor that could admit 1000 ton vessels were the main attractions. Additionally, a beachside walkway with two piers, 450ft and 750 ft in length, jutted out above the land’s end.

Now, with a population of around 38,693 people, Great Yarmouth is not the bustling maritime destination it once was. With fewer civil-military conflicts and more port towns and cities in other parts of England, Yarmouth lost much of its relevance. Instead, Yarmouth has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations among UK residents for weekend excursions and short trips. There are more than 15 miles of sandy beaches with gentle slopes and the beachfront has been transformed into a tourist attraction. Indoor and outdoor entertainment venues line the beachside promenade and there are rides and attractions for all ages along the seafront. In the town, open marketplaces are filled with locals selling their wares, and townhouses and apartments near the water are bustling. Outside of the main streets, the state of Yarmouth has deteriorated. The overall income of Yarmouth and its people suffered due to a lack of industrialization, and the decline of a once booming fishing industry. Farther into town, where bustling streets once stood, one is now met with run-down and abandoned houses and buildings.