This site is for the Mark & Naomi Iliff family. For Mark’s work persona go to Talespinner
Iliff-King phrasebook
definition
<Harwich for the Continent, {Frinton} for the incontinent expression or saying
Old folk joke from the time when “Harwich for the Continent” would be generally recognised
Origin
In days gone by you would travel from London to Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and possibly other destinations in continental Europe by catching a boat train at Liverpool Street station that connected with a ferry from Harwich. Harwich therefore appeared on signs as “Harwich for the Continent”.
Collector
Pa – 1930s?
Noel King – father of Naomi
Notes
The joke rests on Frinton, which is close to Harwich, being much favoured by retired folk. However Pa could never remember its name and would bung in any old 2-syllable seaside town: Bognor, Hastings, Bournemouth, Brighton… that was the fun of it