One of the things that I was looking forward to about travelling is visiting new places.
Apart from our overnight stay a few weeks ago, we have never visited Ramsgate, so we were pleased to be able to spend a day exploring the town around the harbour.
Ramsgate is a seaside town in East Kent. It started life as a fishing and farming hamlet and today its main industries are tourism and fishing.
Construction of Royal Harbour began in 1749 and it was completed in 1850. It is the only Royal Harbour in the UK; decreed thus by King George IV in 1820. Over the years, it has been one of the main embarkation harbours during the Napoleonic wars and for the Dunkirk evacuation.
It was certainly an interesting place to wander through.
We started our wanderings at the lighthouse on the south breakwater at the entrance to the harbour. This stone lighthouse is not the original. It was built in 1842 to replace a wooden one which stood at the very extremity of the harbour wall. It was moved inwards as several incoming vessels hit it!
The new tower was built by John Shaw, who was also responsible for building much of the harbour seen today. The tower was actually designed by well-known lighthouse designer, John Smeaton. He was also responsible for first building a successful lighthouse on the Eddystone Rock.
The lighthouse is built of local stone and bears a latin inscription reading “Perfugium Miseris” – “Refuge for the unfortunate”. Maybe that’s why Martin chose it for a rest!
Moving away from the harbour, we went up onto Royal Parade.
This can be done by climbing Jacob’s Ladder staircase. This dates from 1750s and was originally built of wood. It is named, not after the biblical son of Abraham, but the builder, carpenter Jacob Steed.
I didn’t count the steps, but it made my legs ache, especially after several days at sea!!
Next we walked around the harbour, passing the Sailors’ Church and harbour mission.
The church was constructed in 1878 by Canon Eustace Brenan, who saw the need for spiritual guidance for men and boys of the sailing smacks. There were rooms above the church for the apprentices and next door for the boys.
The church still holds services for spiritual guidance for todays’ sailors and visitors!
From Royal Parade, we continuers along the sea front in the footsteps of the Victorian holiday makers strolling along the promenade. There is a lot of construction here at the moment: a swish hotel, apartments and small shops. it will be interesting to return and see it finished. it will certainly change the character of the front.
Returning to the harbour, it is always interesting to look at other boats, old and new.
Here are a few that we thought unusual. Cervia is worth a google. A 1946 seagoing tug originally built with an armoured wheelhouse and gun emplacements! She also survived a sinking whilst towing the P+O liner Arcadia. Check her out…
I went to college there Caz. I met Inez there when she was 16. Blimey, a ping time ago. Keep me updated. I am living vicariously through your adventures. X
Hi,
I reckon it will have changed a bit since you were there. Seems to be a lot of new building going on, especially on seafront.
Pleased you are enjoying our adventures. Hope you are planing yours too!!
C x
Ah, that was my favourite post yet Caron…. Looking forward to some more historic narratives like that X will definitely visit Ramsgate (am sure have been as a child, although maybe I’m thinking of Margate!). Anyway, travel safe xx
Hi Daisy,
How are you all?
Pleased you liked the post…trying to vary them as so many different people read them – something for everyone!
I was really impressed with Ramsgate. It had a great feel to it. I would definitely go back again.
C xx