Old Ramsgate (then and now)

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2007-11-20T20:28:00.012Z

Welcome to "Old Ramsgate"...

Identical scenes from last century and today...

1897-1905

2006

I hope you enjoy this blog - it's a collection of photos of the town of Ramsgate during it's early heyday, compared with the same scenes today, over a hundred years later. I find it interesting to see what has changed over all the years.

Click on a link (to the left) under "Recent Posts", to visit different areas of the town, and I hope you enjoy the journey back in time!

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A description of Ramsgate in a Victorian journal of the Nineteenth century:

"The streets of Ramsgate are well paved or macadamised, and brilliantly lighted with gas. There are establishments and a savings bank, with a literary institute, assembly-rooms, a small theatre, several good libraries, dispensary, town-hall, custom-house, music-hall, gas-works, water- works, &c. An excellent promenade on the West Cliff has been laid out in an ornamental manner, and forms a delightful source of healthy recreation. The bathing-machines are under the East Cliff where also, as well as in front of the harbour, there are well-appointed warm baths, &c. The markets are extremely well supplied meat, excellent fish, & ; and few places on the coast are so cheap, as well as healthy and agreeable for a summer’s residence.
We need not be surprised at the popularity which Ramsgate continues to enjoy as a watering place, when these and many other advantages present themselves for the convenience of the visitor.
The environs of Ramsgate are charmingly picturesque and diversified. Several handsome residences are here. East Cliff Lodge, pleasantly situated about a mile to the north-east of the town, is a large marine villa, belonging to Sir Moses Montefiore, Knight. The caverns at East Cliff deserve particular notice: they are formed by an excavation at the distance of thirty feet from the cliff, and parallel with it, descending gradually to the level of the shore. This subterraneous passage receives its light from arches of such large capacity as to resemble rooms, which are cut at right angles through the chalky cliffs opening to the sea and these arches being in summer carpeted with turf, and covered with shrubs and flowers, appear very picturesque. The lowest arch terminates in a passage leading directly to the beach.
Sir Moses Montefiore has, at his own expense, erected a synagogue at Hereson.
About a quarter of a mile westward of Ramsgate, is Ellington. In the reign of Elizabeth, this estate became the property of the Spracklings, several of whom lie buried in the chancel of St. Lawrence."

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*** COMPETITION ! ***

Below is a very old picture from 1788, which shows "The Bathing Place" at Ramsgate...

Does anyone know exactly where this was, from looking at the picture?

Feel free to add a comment with your answer!

Acknowledgement:

Many Thanks to Janet & Richard's Genealogy Homepage for their kind permission to use many of the original postcards from their personal collection. More 'Ramsgate in old postcards' and other useful information can be found on their site here, or from the links page.

Recent Updates:

20/11/07 - Amended links to posts in template to ensure they are always visible.

Why not Buy the Book?

"Ramsgate - Then & Now" has recently been published by the History Press, in an attractive 96 page book. This first edition includes all of the old & new images from this site, as well as many more, and over 10,000 words of supporting captions and historical information, to complement the images.

If you have enjoyed visiting this site, why not buy the book, which would make the perfect gift for any Ramsgatonian, old or new!

£9.99 (inc. P&P)

West Cliff

2007-11-19T17:35:00.003Z

West Cliff Promenade, 1895

West Cliff Promenade, 2006

The mini-bandstand has since been replaced by a cafe / snack bar. This was one of three bandstands along the Westcliff area. The top entrance of the Edwardian lift can be seen in the modern picture, which had not even been constructed when the first picture was taken over a century ago.

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The Bandstand, WestCliff, 1895

The Bandstand area, Westcliff, 2006

The original postcard above was likely taken from the top floor window of the Churchill Tavern and school of English, across the street. Unfortunately for the modern photo it was not possible to gain access to that location, therefore it was taken from a different elevation. The terrace of regal houses since became the 'Regency Hotel' and later the Regency school of english. Sadly, these listed buildings over time went into decline, most being used for temporary housing. However, they are now being redeveloped again as luxury housing. The Bandstand has since completely gone, and the structure in the foreground of the modern picture is the now derelict Motor Museum

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St. Lawrence Bandstand, Westcliff c.1905

Same view, 2007

Westcliff Boating Lake

Many decades ago, the bandstand disappeared, to make way for a boating lake. The site remains almost unchanged, just full of water! The building remains intact, and became a monkey sanctuary during the 1980's. The main building is still a cafeteria, with a children's play plark and art gallery also on the site
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Westcliff Lawns, early 1900's

Same view, 2007
The earlier picture was taken before the Edwardian lift was built, and also the bandstand has been replaced with a Victorian shelter, which in modern times has since been converted into a cafe/snack bar

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Nelson Crescent, West Cliff, 1895

Nelson Crescent, West Cliff, 2006

Very little has changed here in over a century! Except for the Victorian lamp-posts being replaced with what I assume are Edwardian style ones, and of course the addition of cars

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Western Undercliff,1895

Western Undercliff, 2006

Most of the western undercliff has been extensively redeveloped during the last decade, to make way for a road access link, connecting the port with the motorway. The entrance to the road tunnel, which now dominates much of the western undercliff is to the left of this photo.

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The Town

2007-11-18T18:02:00.003Z

Ramsgate High Street, c.1905

Ramsgate High Street, 2006

The main Precinct in Ramsgate High St, this is the cross roads with Harbour Street straight ahead, King Street to the left, and Queen Street to the right. The original building on the right with the pillared frontage is now the Halifax building society, with the front facade having been redeveloped, minus the attractive pillars. Page & Sons is now the Harbour Parade Bar.

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High Street, looking towards Queen Sreet, 1907

Same view, 99 years later!

Original picture: This was taken during the "French Visit" of August 6th, 1907. The pillared building on the left is now the Halifax. As in the previous picture, the frontage has changed significantly, but this distinctive corner building is still recognizable. I think these days Health and Safety would have something to say about that crowd of people standing on the roof, with no safety railings!

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Vale Road, c.1890

Vale Road, 2006

The Vale Tavern still very much in use! Scene hasn't really changed that much except for the obvious addition of cars. Any more changes? Play "spot the difference"!

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Plains of Waterloo, c.1905

Plains of Waterloo, 2006

No. 50 is still a grocery store, a hundred years later!

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Spencer Square, c.1900's

Spencer Square, 2006

The original bowling green is now tennis courts. Carlton House was originally a YMCA hostel in the early picture, not any more! Other than the new pavillion/refreshments building, not a lot else has changed, probably because these buildings are all grade 2 listed.

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St. Mildreds Road, c.1900's

St. Mildreds Road, 2006

Nice to see the trees still remain!

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St. George's church, c.1895 and 2006

St. Augustine's Abbey, c.1900's St. Augustines Abbey, 2006

Designed by the famous local architect, Augustus Pugin. Note the two lion statuettes above the gate... see if you can spot these same statuettes in a picture of another famous Pugin building on this site

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No. 6, Albion Hill, 1915

The same building, 2006

Since repaired!

The original photo shows no.6 Albion Hill, damaged by a Zepellin airship raid during the First World War. This was likely one of the first times the town had ever experienced an aerial bombardment, judging by the look of wonderment on some of the local's faces.

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Aberdeen House, c.1905

Aberdeen House, 2006

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Hereson Road Station, 1958

Same view, from the platform, 1958

Site of Hereson Road station, 2006

The Hereson road entrance to the 'Scenic Railway' was opened on July 31st, 1936, and closed in 1964. It joined with the main Station at Ramsgate Sands (see Ramsgate Sands and eastcliff post).

The tunnel entrance was filled in, and the station site is now a second hand car dealership.

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The old Ramsgate Town Station (c.1900)

Site of the old Ramsgate Town Station, 2007

In the mid-1800's, the old windmills on this site were pulled down to make way for the original Ramsgate town railway station. It was located at the top of Margate Road, next to the Hovis Mill site.

During the First World War, the station received a direct hit from a Zeppelin air raid, and was never used again. In 1926 McAlpines built the railway through from Margate to Canterbury and the site lay derelict for many years. After the Second World War the site was cleared and the existing Chatham Court flats were built in it's place.

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Ramsgate Mill, 1900

The Ramsgate Mill as it was in 1900. Note the horse and cart at the side of the mill, and the old railway on the far left

Ramsgate Mill, 2007

The additional frontage to the main building (the screen room) was constructed in the early 1900's and the large silo to the left was built in 1935.

The site was closed in 2005 as Rank Hovis deemed it was no longer commercially viable. The site is up for sale, and will likely be converted into residential flats. The main building is grade 2 listed.

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Ramsgate Library, 1904

Ramsgate Library (remains of!), 2007

The grand building which was Ramsgate Library was built in 1904. The original postcard shows it during the winter time. The park in the original photo has long vanished, and has since been built on with houses, as can be seen in the modern photo. Sadly, only a few months away from it's centenary, the library was completely destroyed by an arson attack in August 2004, with only the Edwardian facade remaining. Plans to rebuild it are progressing well.
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Harbour Street, 1900

Harbour Street, 2007

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High Street, c.1905

High Street, 2007

Sadly this view from the top of Ramsgate High Street is obscured by temporary hoardings

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Grange Road, c.1905

Note the Windmill in the centre of the picture, on the left side of the road. The windmill was one of several in Ramsgate, and was demolished many years ago. It is now a row of shops.

Grange Road, 2007

Without the Windmill!

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St. Lawrence High Street, c.1905

St. Lawrence High Street, 2007

The differences between these two scenes is dramatic! The entire row of buildings on the right hand side of the High Street were demolished during the 1930's and '40's, to enable the road to be widened, so as to cope with increasing traffic demands. The Petrol Station and post office now stand in their place, with newer houses set further back. The fronts of the original terraced buildings would have been where the hatching is in the middle of the road in the new picture. You can also just make out the Wheatsheaf pub in the middle of the picture (behind the white road sign), and it was originally painted pink!

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Augusta Road, c.1905

Augusta Road, 2007

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Ellington Park

2007-11-16T17:03:00.003Z

Ellington Park - c. 1901

Ellington Park - 2006

View of Edwardian fountain - c. 1901

(Note bandstand in background)

Same view, 2006.

This vista has changed dramatically. The fountain in the foreground of the original picture has long since vanished, with a bowling green now standing where it once stood. The railings on the left in the above picture now fence off the bowling green. You can just make out the base of the bandstand that still stands in the same position, but now shrouded in trees from this same angle.

The BandStand - c.1901

The BandStand - 2006

The Victorian BandStand is still very much intact, and has changed little in over a century

Old lake in the park - c. 1901

Site of old lake - 2006

The lake was completely filled in long ago, and a rockery built in it's place. In the summer, when the earth is dry, you can still see the original outline of the old lake, formed by dead grass

Old lake - c. 1901

Site of old lake - 2006

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In the 1600's there used to be a mansion in Ellington Park which had a rather grisly history... read on (if you dare)!

The house that once stood in what is now Ellington park was owned by Adam Sprackling. In 1632, he married Katherine Leukner. She soon found out that he was not a nice person. He was rich and spoiled.

Picture 1: 17th Century map of Ellington House

He seemed to spend his time riding around, with his long flowing hair dressed in his cavalier clothes, fighting people. He was forever going into pubs drinking, gambling or quarreling. He had a violent temper and was always in trouble with the law.

On December 11th, 1652, Adam was at home, and drunk. When his wife came home, he threatened to beat her, and she had to hide in the cupboard until he left the room. He smashed the cupboard door with a pickaxe. When a neighbour, Mr. Lamming, called round, Adam took him into the kitchen and got out the wine. Katherine used this opportunity to escape from the cupboard and went upstairs.

After a few drinks, Adam sent Lamming to fetch old Martin, who lived nearby, and Adam told the servant, Ewell, to join them in the kitchen. All four soon became very drunk, and so the maid took Adam’s daughter to a safe hiding place in the vast network of tunnels beneath the house.

Katherine then came into the kitchen for something and Adam began shouting at her. She spoke nicely to him but this angered him even more. He picked up a knife and stabbed her in the face. She turned and ran, but just as she put her hand on the door latch, he struck with the axe and almost severed her hand off. Martin quickly got some cloth to bind up the bleeding hand, but Adam punched him aside. Katherine prayed aloud for God to forgive Adam. Adam picked up a heavy meat cleaver and killed his wife.

Picture 2: Ellington House in the early 19th Century

Ewell dashed off to get the Law officers, but Adam stayed. His plan was to put the blame onto old Martin. Lamming was too drunk to move. Adam’s plan was to make it appear that Martin had had a mental fit. Adam killed six dogs, threw them over his wife’s body, and smeared Martin with blood. He would then make good his escape via a trapdoor in the kitchen to the tunnels, one of which led directly to the church, where he could seek refuge until the whole incident was forgotten. However, the Law Officers were not fooled. They pursued Adam down the tunnels and into the caves beneath the park. Eventually they caught him hiding behind a stack of barrels in a small cave, trying to set off gunpowder! They arrested Adam after overpowering him and taking away his pistols and swords.

He was taken by boat to Sandwich for trial.

Now that he was caught, people came forward to tell of the other evil deeds he had done. If anyone had ever seen him doing anything wrong, he had threatened to kill them if they ever went to the Law Officers. One witness told of an argument between Adam and John Simmons in a pub, which ended in Simmons being pinned to the wall with Adam’s rapier. Another witness had seen Adam beaten in a fist-fight with Robert Lister. Adam went to a local muscle-man, Corslet, and paid him to beat up Lister. Some Law Officers said that they had been to investigate complaints against Adam, and he had fired off his pistols at them.

The constables read out a long list of complaints against him. In 1648, Adam and Robert Langley had quarreled, and as Langley rode away, Adam went after him and shot him in the back, killing him. At the end of the trial, the Jury took only a short time to find Adam Sprackling guilty of murder, and the judge sentenced him to death.

In his cell, Adam refused to see a priest and, putting on his long flowing cloak, he went to the scaffold. After the hanging, his body was put in a coffin and rowed back to Thanet. The only transport available at Cliffsend was a sea-weed wagon, which carried his body to St. Lawrence Church where he was buried.

Ellington Park was bought by Ramsgate Council in 1892 and the house demolished. The foundations however still exist, and there are also a couple of stones with dates still in place (the stones saying 1647 and 1649, with a cross-key symbol).

Picture 3: The foundations of Ellington House still remain (2007)

The series of tunnels apparently still exist, linking the house with Ellington stables, the church and many other places, including Pegwell Bay! The tunnels adjoin the famous St. Lawrence caves, which also surface somewhere in the grounds of Ellington park, although their exact location is unknown, but access is allegedly gained through a manhole somewhere in the undergrowth!

The tunnels were in fact excavated by Adam Sprackling’s men linking to the church, thus proving Sprackling’s smuggling connections.

Another somber conclusion to this tale was that during the fight Adam had with his wife, the maid took Adam’s daughter to a hiding place within the tunnels. The daughter, becoming afraid of the screaming from above, ran towards the church. Legend has it that she took a wrong turning, and become hopelessly lost in the cave network.

Her body was never found, and local legend also has it that her ghost still haunts the tunnels beneath the park! The sound of her wailing and also of ghostly footsteps could be heard for many years echoing through the park on a clear night. However, after some years, people realised that the ghostly footsteps were in fact the sound of horses’ hooves from nearby Ellington stables, amplified and echoing through the smugglers caves beneath the park! …but who knows? Her body is probably still down there… And so ends the grisly account of Ellington mansion...

Picture 4: The remains of Ellington House can still be seen clearly in the park in the picture on the right

Until recently there were two stones still visible in the remaining foundations, with the year and cross-keys symbol, as shown on the below. Sadly in recent months it looks like these have now been removed.

Picture 5: Sketch of one of the foundation stones showing the cross-keys symbol and year, still visible in 2006

Ramsgate Sands and Eastcliff

2007-11-10T21:05:00.003Z

Ramsgate Sands, and another visit to the East Cliff...

c.1900

2006

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Eastcliff Promenade, c.1895

Eastcliff Promenade, 2006

The Granville cinema building is the most prominent new addition

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The new Eastcliff Promenade extension, c.1905

The "new" promenade extension, 2006

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The San Clu hotel, c.1895

In those days it was called the "Hotel Saint Cloud"

San Clu hotel, 2006

Half the building is now missing, since the original postcard was drawn. Apparently it was destroyed in a great fire of 1928, one of the largest fires in Ramsgate's history

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Ramsgate Main Sands, c.1900's

Same view, 2006

The domed structure on the left is the top of a lift shaft leading to the beach (now closed)

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Main sands and pavilion, c.1900's

Note the bathing machines in the sea!

Same view, 2006

Minus the bathing machines, and people! The pavilion is now the Grosvenor casino

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The "New" Pavilion, c.1905

Same view, 2006

The Pavilion is now a popular casino

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View from the Pavilion, c.1905

Same view, 2006

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Wellington Crescent, c.1895

Wellington Crescent, 2006

The main new addition in this picture is the bandstand, which in 2006 has just completed a major renovation

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Eastcliff promenade and Granville hotel, c.1895

Eastcliff Promenade, 2006

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Another view of the Promenade, c.1895

Same view, 2006

Nice to see that the Victorian Shelters are still very much intact! The bandstand is missing in the modern picture however.

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The imposing Granville Hotel, c.1895

Note the bust of Augustus Pugin on the plinth in the foreground, and the two lion statuettes to the right

Granville hotel, 2006

The picture on the left shows the original lion statues as they are now... They were moved from their original location in the picture above, to reside in their new location on the other side of the Granville Cinema building, facing in the opposite direction. As you can see, one of the lion statues (in the foreground) has been vandalised, having been crudely smashed off it's plinth (and stolen?) which is a real shame.

Similar lion statuettes also sit atop the entrance to St. Augustines abbey, another Pugin building on the Westcliff of Ramsgate.

<---> View of the Ramsgate Sands station, c.1905

Same view, 2006

Site of the original station (and subsequent amusement arcade) is now just a waste ground, awaiting development into luxury apartments.
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Eastcliff Promenade, c.1895

Another view of the promenade, this time from the other direction

Eastcliff Promenade, 2006

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Ramsgate Sands entrance to the scenic railway, 1936

Same view, 2006

No trace of this station remains. You can just make out the end of the original concrete platform to the left of the parking sign (in lighter coloured concrete). The railway tunnel is still accessible, but only via a locked iron gate and steel door. The local council have put a lot of effort in recent years to keeping this old tunnel system locked and secure. The other end comes out in undergrowth near Dumpton Park Station, with a spur tunnel leading off to the old Hereson Road station (see earlier pictures)

The Harbour

2007-11-01T17:25:00.003Z

Harbour Parade - 1901

Harbour Parade - 2001

(not much has changed except the mode of public transportation!)

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1860 – Inner Harbour

A very early view of the inner harbour basin near the entrance to Harbour St, with Albion Place behind. The Royal Clarence Baths (left) are now Harvey’s Pub and Restaurant (below)

Same view, 2001

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1893 – York Terrace and the Arcade

The Royal Temple Yacht Club is top left, having been established in Ramsgate for over a century

Same view, 2001

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Inner Harbour, 1893

Same view, 2007

East Cliff

2007-10-20T17:04:00.003Z

View from the East cliff, c.1900
Same view in 2006

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Granville Hotel, c.1900

Granville Hotel, 2006

The Victorian shelter in the foreground is still there, (albeit with a new coat of paint!) but the bandstand and ornamental garden behind it have since been replaced by the slightly less attractive Granville Theatre building
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Wellington Crescent, c.1900

Wellington Crescent, 2006
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East Cliff Promenade, c.1900

Eastcliff Promenade, 2006

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Madeira Walk, c.1900

Madeira Walk, 2006

It is clear to see a lot more growth in the shrubbery here compared to last century, with the trees and shrubbery no longer cut back so much, but slowly taking over!
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Corner of madeira walk, c.1900
Same view in 2006.

Again, the trees and shrubbery are a lot higher, obscuring the view - no longer seems as ornamental and neatly tended as the new growth in the original picture

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Another veiw of Madeira Walk, c.1900

Madeira Walk, 2006
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The Waterfall (Madeira Walk), c.1895

Exactly the same in 2006!

(I guess water and rocks don't change much over time!)

Note the ornate wooden bridge in the original picture was since replaced with a stone one, likely in the early 1900's. The original bridge shown is also identical to the one crossing the lake in the original scenes from Ellington Park

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Another picture of the waterfall, c.1900

Waterfall, 2006
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Madeira Walk, c.1900

Madeira Walk, 2006
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The Peace Memorial, Albion place, c.1920

The Peace Memorial, 2006

This memorial is called "Destiny" and was unveiled by Dame Janet Stancomb-Wills to all the inhabitants of the town, and the animals. Contrary to the caption on the original postcard, it is not a war memorial, but a Peace memorial. It is completely untarnished by time and the monument remains identical to the original picture in every detail. Note however how the bridge on the left (crossing above the waterfall) has been replaced by a stone one in the original picture, rather than the wooden bridge shown in the earlier pictures of the waterfall at Madeira walk. Also as in the other pictures, the modern setting is more overgrown!
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Compare the houses from the original photo and the modern one, and it is clear to see the gap in the terrace. Perhaps these two properties were destroyed by bombs in WW2? The buildings here are all listed now.

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Granville Hotel, c.1900

Granville Hotel, 2006

The ornamental garden guarded by the two lion statuettes to the right of the original picture is now the corner of the Granville Theatre (cinema) shown to the right of the modern picture. The Granville Hotel has since been converted to residential appartments for some years now

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The old Ramsgate station from the Eastcliff, c.1900

Ramsgate harbour, 2006

The blue roofed building in the background (now the casino) was the original station building. When the railway closed, the terminus and railway tracks were transformed into the pleasurama amusement arcade around the 1930's, which then burnt down in an arson attack in the late 1990's. The overgrown patch of ground is where it used to stand prior to it's demolition. The land has now been set aside for luxury apartments and development.

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Winterstoke Gardens, 1926

Winterstoke Gardens, 2007

Much the same, with the fountain turned off!

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Winterstoke Gardens Pavillion, 1926

Another view of Winterstoke Gardens Pavilion, 1926

Winterstoke Gardens Pavilion, 2007

Quite a sorry sight compared to it's original glory days! In it's heyday in the '20s and '30s it was a pleasant spot to congregate and watch bands and concerts in the park. Those days are long gone and nowadays it is popular as an unofficial skate park... with the walls covered in graffiti

Pegwell Bay

2007-10-09T17:22:00.014Z

Pegwell Bay Regatta, 1828

Pegwell Bay, 2007

Pegwell Bay is one of the most scenic and interesting parts of East Kent. Rugged and wild, the coastline around this pretty bay has seen a lot of change over the centuries, along with the constant erosion of the chalk cliffs. Pegwell Bay was very popular during Victorian and Edwardian times as a busy holiday spot, with tea rooms, regattas and bathing facilities amongst other things. The remains of two wooden jetties can still be seen today.

Pegwell Bay, c 1800's.

This picture was drawn prior to the distinctive Belle Vue hotel tower was built. Note the two covered piers or jetties, extending out to sea. The remains of these wooden posts can still be seen jutting out of the beach at low tide today.

Pegwell Bay, 2006

The tower of the Belle Vue hotel is now the most dominant feature of the skyline. The piers and bathing facilities have long since disappeared

Pegwell Village, c.1895 and 2006

The BelleVue tavern can be seen clearly on the left, and what is now the "Sir Stanley Gray" is next door. Previously this pub was called "The Moonlighters" after it's smuggling connections. There are numerous smuggling tunnels known to have run from beneath these pubs through the chalk cliffs and to the sea. The building straight ahead (in the old picture) appears to be the top floor of a four storey building (since demolished) shown in a later picture.

The Old Convent, Chilton. c1890 (Assumption Convent)

Site of the Convent, 2006.

The convent was demolished some years ago, to make way for a new housing estate. The only prominent feature that remains is the archway, on Goodwin Road, shown on the left of both pictures, and the "Nun's Graveyard", located near the adjacent Convent Walk.

The whole site is now a new housing estate with several new roads and streets intersecting across it.

The Sportsman Inn, c 1910

The Sportsman Inn, 2006

Not much has changed, other than the mode of transport in the car park!

(Plus the houses on the left and an extension to the pub on the right (not shown)

Pegwell Bay, early 1900's

Compared to the earlier picture above, the piers and bathing facilities have disappeared, and the Belle Vue Hotel has been built, with it's characteristic tower

Pegwell Bay, 2006

The 4 storey house in the foreground of the early photo has completely disappeared. This can be seen rising above the cliff top in previous photos, with an entrance from Pegwell Road. The building next to it (partially obscured) is still there however. It is part of the Belle Vue hotel complex. Also the carefully manicured lawns in the foreground of the original picture have now become very overgrown and wild. Sadly, rubbish is also dumped here on this wasteland. The concrete cliff reinforcements are also clearly seen in the recent picture, which were not present on previous ones.

Pegwell Bay and Belle Vue gardens, c1900

Similar to the above pictures, this view shows the once immaculate lawns and gardens at the bottom of the cliffs at Pegwell, which I believe were the grounds to the Belle Vue hotel.

Pegwell Bay and Belle Vue gardens, 2006 (opposite direction)

Here is another view of the grounds to the Belle Vue hotel, on the undercliff at Pegwell. As you can see, rather than the well kept grounds in the original picture, they have been 'laid to lawn' over many years, and are now unkempt and overgrown. However, I feel this lends itself to the rugged nature of Pegwell Bay now, and adds to it's natural beauty. It is also creates a haven for the many different types of wildlife and birds

Coastguard Station, c.1900

Remains of coastguard station, 2009

In the early view, the coastguard station was the wooden scaffold structure in the foreground, with ladders leading down to the beach below. This provided the coastguards with a convenient lookout across the bay for smugglers, and other things. Over a century later, the remains of this lookout station can clearly be seen in the modern picture, what is left of the wooden structure hanging fore-lornly against the chalk cliffs, long forgotten in time. The station at the top of the cliffs is now completely buried in undergrowth

Pegwell High Street, c.1912

Pegwell High Street, 2009

The earlier view was taken in the winter. Note the old cottage in the foreground on the left of the picture. In the modern picture you can see this has since been demolished, and the car park for the Belle Vue tavern is in its place. You can clearly see the original outline of the old cottage on the white wall in the modern picture, where it used to be. (its chimney breast and inglenook still remain). Also the white house with its two bay windows next door (Banger's old florist shop) has now become two seperate houses, with the second having been built up higher in the modern picture, with an extra storey. Everything else remains rather similar though!

Pegwell High Street, 1860

Here is an even earlier view looking up Pegwell Road, from the same spot as the previous two pictures. The public house on the right in the recent picture has not been built yet (what is now the Sir Stanley Grey pub). Instead, Tatnell's old barn stands in its place (where potted shrimps were once produced). The building in the foreground on the left (with the nice shutters) was there prior to the Pegwell Bay Hotel being built on the site in 1898.

An even earlier view!, likely from the late 1700's. the only prominent building that still remains today from this view is of course the Belle Vue Tavern, which has changed little over the last 200 years.

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Sunset over Pegwell Bay, c.1906

Sunset over Pegwell Bay, 2009

There is one very obvious addition to the skyline in the modern picture!

The famous cooling towers of Richborough Power station lie dormant across the bay. These famous landmarks have dominated the landscape here for over half a century, but are obviously missing in the earlier view across the bay.

Pegwell Beach, c.1920

Pegwell Beach, 2009

These two views are dramatically different. What was once a private sheltered beach was completely destroyed in the 1960's, when it was replaced with a Hoverport. The hoverport was used by hovercraft crossing the channel, throughout the 1970's and early 80's before being left derelict. The vast concrete aprons still remain, but are slowly being reclaimed by nature. The arrival of the hovercraft at Pegwell has been blamed for ruining what was once a thriving shrimping industry, and the once sandy beach was soon replaced by mud and quicksand. However, the old remains of what was once a busy hoverport lend their own silent beauty to the area.

Other pictures of Pegwell (old and new)

The beer garden of the Belle Vue Tavern, c1900

The Belle Vue hotel is now on the opposite side of the road, (with the distinctive tower), and is actually linked with the pub next door to the Belle Vue Tavern (The Sir Stanley Gray) via an underground tunnel.

A Bait Digger on the sands at Pegwell Bay, c 1905

Even today, at low tide, you can still see bait diggers far out on the sands at Pegwell Bay, carrying on the profession in much the same way as they have for hundreds of years

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Looking out over Pegwell Bay at high tide, November 2006

A choppy sea, and the distinctive towers of the derelict Richborough Power Station on the horizon near Sandwich.

Pegwell Bay Pier, 1870

Pegwell Bay, 1820

Thanks to Richard & Janet's Genealogy Homepage for permission to use many of the old postcards on this page

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Out of Town and Miscellaneous...

2007-09-30T14:11:00.003Z

Ramsgate Municipal Airport

Members of the public being given a "field talk", c.1937

Factory buildings mark site of Airfield, 2007

I recently heard a rumour there had been an old airfield (pre-WW2) somewhere in the fields behind my house (near Newlands Road), that run between Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

After doing a bit of digging, I found that indeed there was, and as it turned out, Ramsgate had it's own Municipal Airport! (And I don't mean Kent International at Manston!)

The airfield was situated next to Pyson's Road, with the main entrance from Rumfields Road, and was known as Ramsgate Municipal Airport.

Ramsgate Airfield, early 1930's

Airfield site, 2007
Pysons Road is to the left, running from top to bottom in both pictures (top towards Ramsgate, bottom towards Broadstairs). The footprint of the old airfield site remains, but has since been covered by industrial buildings, showrooms and workshops, with newer roads intersecting it. There is little left on the ground to show that this was once a bustling local airport prior to World War 2

I'm not sure of the exact dates the airport was in use, but I believe it's heyday was in the late 1930's, but was actually in use right up until the late 1960's(?)

Ramsgate Municipal Airport, 1937
The "new" terminal building can be seen towards the rear of the field, in front of the hangar

Same view, 2007
Now a retail and industrial complex

The site is now an industrial estate, it's largest occupant being the Sericol ink factory, however, the names of the new roads that intersect the estate give a clue as to it's previous life, with names such as Anson Close, Blenheim Close, etc, no doubt named after the classic planes that graced the airfield in it's heyday.

The 'new' terminal building, 1937
This was a revolutionary design at the time, and I believe won some architectural awards. Note the water tower in the background, still a prominent landmark on Rumfields Road.

Same view, 2007

The water tower on Rumfields Road is still the dominant feature of the skyline

View from the passenger lounge, 1937

The terminal bar, 1937

A pilot indulging in a nice beverage! (hopefully after his flight and not before!)

A DeHavilland Tiger Moth ready for take off! (c.1937)

These legendary aircraft were used as trainers by the RAF at the start of the second world war. The terminal building is in background.

Same location, 2007

Rear view of the terminal building, 1937

More Old & New Ramsgate pictures...

2007-09-01T22:53:00.016Z

Bellevue Road, c.1905

Bellevue Road, 2007

-....

West Pier, c.1890

West Pier, 2007

Marina Gardens, c.1905
Note the old Marina Theatre in the background, at the end of the esplanade

Marina Gardens (now called Granville Gardens), 2007

The old Marina Theatre has long since been demolished, after being turned into a Nightclub (Neros) in the '70's and 80's, and there is now just a car park where it used to stand

The Promenade, Ramsgate Sands, c.1904

Same view, 2007

The Marina Restaurant is still visible in the background, although the pier has long since disappeared

Kent Terrace, c.1903

Same View, 2007

Ramsgate Sands Paddling area, c.1895

Same View, 2007

Main Sands, c.1890

Same View, 2007
Still a very popular beach, but has never quite recaptured its’ Victorian Heyday
.

Sands & Pavillion, c.1905
Here the pavillion is decked out in a marquis style on the upper level, and the large Edwardian crowd appear to be watching a sailing regatta

Same View, 2007

Ramsgate Sands and Railway Station, c.1895

Same View, 2007
Note the missing Railway Station, which burned down in the late 1990’s, during which time it had been an amusement arcade for many decades

East Pier, c.1890

Same View, 2007

Ramsgate Dry Dock (ship repairs), c.1900

Same View, 2007
Albeit with a different ship in the dry dock undergoing repairs!
The famous Maritime Museum is on the left (with the clock tower)

The Harbour Front, c.1901

Same View, 2007

The Alexandria Restaurant still remains, to the right of what was the Castle Hotel

Arcade and New Road, c.1904

Harbour Approach and ‘New Road’, 2007

Not much has changed in this view except the construction of the Jarvis Marina Resort hotel (right of picture), and more traffic of course!

Why not Buy the Book?

"Ramsgate - Then & Now" has recently been published by the History Press, in an attractive 96 page book. This first edition includes all of the old & new images from this site, as well as many more, and over 10,000 words of historical information and captions, to complement the images.

If you have enjoyed visiting this site, why not buy the book, which would make the perfect gift for any Ramsgatonian, old or new!

Only £9.99 (inc. P&P)