The Butlin Timelines
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1880 and before
Come and view the details of the Butlin timeline and the connection Sir William Butlin name has with his family tree.
1890 to 1899
View the details of the family moving to Cape Town in South Africa and the birth of William Butlin and the opening of the Butlin's Bicycle shop
1900 to 1909
View the details of Bertha's and William's second child, Billy's brother, Harry John Butlin. Also included is the move back to England.
1910 to 1919
Read about the William Butlin moving to Canada with his mother Bertha and working at Eaton's. Also included is when Billy joined the Canadian Army.
1920 to 1929
These years in the Butlin timeline show you the involvement of the Barnstaple Fair and Billy falls in love with Dolly Cheriton. Further research also shows you the original site of the first Butlin's in Skegness.
1930 to 1939
Butlin's Bognor Regis shelter and the opening of the first Butlin's Holiday camp in Skegness. There is also the sad news of the passing of Bertha, Billy's wife. The connection between Major Frank Bond and also Norman Bradford, the first Redcoat.
1940 to 1949
Read about the support that Billy Butlin had given with World War Two. The development and creation of the 21 clubs to support our troops. Also, read about how the camps were handed to the ministry to help train the troops. Billy also receives a MBE
1950 to 1959
The year the Brighton hotel was open with the sad news of the passing of Billy's father, William Butlin. This was also the year that Butlin's international channel swimming was taking place. This was also the moment that Billy Butlin MBE was featured on "This is your life"
1960 to 1969
The opening of Bognor Regis camp is featured in this part of the timeline. This is also the moment when Billy's son, William Butlin (Junior) was born. Butlin's also opens in Minehead as Billy Butlin becomes Sir William (Billy) Butlin. This is also the moment that the icon of Butins, the monorail train is born and when Sir Billy Butlin retires.
1970 to 1979
Butlin's is under new ownership as the Rank organisation purchases Butlin's. Valued at the time at £43 million pounds, Robert Butlin would become the executive of the company. Sir Billy Butlin and Sheila Butlin also marry in these years.
1980 to 1989
It's a very sad day in Butlin's as the founder passes away. These years continue to show sad news as the Mosney camp in Ireland is closed with the tower restaurant in London. The first Redcoat, Norman Bradford also passes away during these years. The further disappointing news is the closure of Filey, Clacton, and Barry Island with Robert Butlin stepping down as executive.
1990 to 1999
The creation of the Butlin's Holiday Worlds era. The camps were all renamed to holiday worlds with Pwllheli and AYR being named twice in the timeline. These years also feature the diamond jubilee and also another introduction to Butlin's Family Entertainment Resorts era. These years are the last time that Butlin's is known as holiday camp. These are also the years when the hotel division is sold and Pwllheli and AYR are transferred to Haven (a sister company)
2000 to 2009
With Pwllheli and AYR now transferred to Haven (the sister company at the time), Butlin's is sold to Bourne Leisure limited as they become the new owners of an amazing company. Bourne also reintroduces the hotel's division in Bognor Regis. The sad news is that Robert Butlin passes away in these years.
2010 to 2019
Bognor Regis resort has a new £40 million pound swimming pool built. The former staff accommodation at Minehead is demolished with planning permission for a caravan village to be in its replacement.
2020 to 2029
With a new large stake owner of Bourne Leisure, Blackstone puts Butlin's up for sale. The land is purchased as new landlords rent the land out to Butlins. New developments as the years start to pass by.
