tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36069419031314623982012-02-17T02:21:07.206ZA convenient place to collate information about Ramsgate's past. As each generation passes so does their knowledge of Ramsgate and its residents. The purpose of this blog is to collate and provide links to information concerning Ramsgate's past for researchers, historians and anyone who is interested. Please feel free to look around and leave comments, corrections or suggestions for items to include.Philnoreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-85765095653512142322011-06-16T16:15:00.003+01:002011-06-16T16:22:07.732+01:00

Currently the Ramsgate Tunnel Group are in the running for a £53,000 grant via the Jubilee People's Millions fund from The Big Lottery which will provide a kick start to the project. The project will be filmed for Meridian Tonight on Monday 27th June and will go head to head against another local project in a telephone vote between 9.00 am and midnight on that day. We're seeking as much support

Philnoreply@blogger.comRamsgate, Kent, UK51.33275691023401 1.416635138305650851.28897791023401 1.3557301383056508 51.37653591023401 1.4775401383056508tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-60230510898529087072011-06-09T07:05:00.001+01:002011-06-09T07:07:24.047+01:00

Ramsgate Tunnels Heritage Project has made it to the final of The Jubilee People’s Millions with a project to document and survey the manmade Ramsgate Tunnel structures in order to restore and preserve them as part of an all-weather, year-round tourist and heritage project. The survey will properly document the entire tunnel system so as to clearly define its true condition, collate all the

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-43310901109595917002011-04-11T17:49:00.001+01:002011-04-12T17:10:24.804+01:00

Beneath Ramsgate lies a maze of tunnels constructed Air Raid Shelters during WWII. The system is around 3 miles long and incorporates a former twin track main line railway tunnel built in 1863 and other ancient chalk workings. After the war these tunnels were closed and remain forgotten beneath the town. Ramsgate Tunnels Group are putting together a plan to re-open part of the system and need

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-49616535207946439022011-02-12T18:13:00.002Z2011-02-12T19:33:57.556Z

Recent opening of previously confidential government documents has provided an interesting insight into the preparation for constructing Cold War bunkers in addition to Ramsgate's existing A.R.P. network. Click HERE to read more.

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-71736345446370731142011-01-25T21:30:00.000Z2011-01-25T21:30:01.366Z

You may have read a recent article in the local press regarding the re-opening of the Ramsgate Tunnels. If you didn’t see it, you can read it online at HERE The history of the tunnels is well recorded, but what's not recorded in any detail are the memories of residents who used them. What were the emotions when the siren was sounded? What was life like underground while the town was being

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-3405293614814053652011-01-15T13:57:00.001Z2011-01-15T13:59:21.467Z

It's hoped to have a small re-union of a few former Invicta MCC members during the week commencing 17/01/2011. If you're a former member or know anyone who is, please have a look at http://invictamembers.blogspot.com/ or contact phil@ramsgatehistory.com

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-30193597996648438202011-01-07T21:43:00.003Z2011-01-07T21:48:27.159Z

Have you ever wondered why Seamark Road at Monkton (where Thanet Earth is) was so named? Here's a clue ... Click HERE to find out more

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-46461288137061473092011-01-07T09:30:00.002Z2011-01-08T14:38:40.823Z

William Curtis was born in 1752 in Wapping, East London. He was the son of sea biscuit manufacturer Joseph Curtis and Mary Tennant. William was elected as a Member of Parliament for the City of London in 1790 and held the seat continuously for 28 years. He became Lord Mayor of London in 1795-96 and was created a Baronet in 1802. The definition of the three R's as "reading, 'riting and rithmetic"

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-52404641127475358802011-01-01T00:00:00.003Z2011-01-01T00:00:03.623Z

RamsgateHistory.com wishes everyone a very happy, healthy and safe 2011

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-80827207131337481702010-12-09T23:01:00.001Z2010-12-09T23:04:03.704Z

More Railway information has been added to the RamsgateHistory.com website. A track of the old South Eastern Railway's line has been added to Google Earth including a detailed plan of the Town Station in 1872 and a plan of the Margate Station of 1896. Also now shown is the acurate location of St Lawrence loop. The London, Chatham and Dover Railway line is also show together with a plan of their

Philnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-15108753767125942302010-11-13T21:41:00.002Z2010-11-13T21:43:57.876Z

For those that have Google Earth installed, I've created image overlays using old maps of Ramsgate. These are particularly useful when used in conjuction with Google Earth's built in opacity slider which allows you to see Googles imagery through the map. These are surprisingly accurate and provide excellent research tools. Currently available are: 1735 Plan of Ramsgate (not very accurate but

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-75426573715205581302010-09-15T11:27:00.000+01:002010-09-15T11:27:59.835+01:00

As I understand it the Heritage Policies of the now expired Local Plan definately no longer apply. Until a new Local Development Framework is in force the only guidance now comes from the Communities and Local Government section of central government, and in particular Planning Policy Statement 5: "Planning for the Historic Environment" which can be found HERE. Having had a quick look at this it

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-50747739510118832512010-09-14T13:28:00.001+01:002010-09-14T13:32:07.206+01:00

Whilst researching my response to the application for Listed Building Consent at the Ramsgate Harbour slipways, I’ve realised that the heritage aspect of this site may not have the protection I thought. As part of the transitional arrangements from the old Local Plan to a new Local Development Framework (LDF), the Local Plan expired on 17th June 2009 and only those policies that have been saved

Philnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-57716759585210997472010-09-09T09:19:00.000+01:002010-09-09T09:19:30.332+01:00

Thanet District Council has received a planning application for a restaurant complex to be built between the Clock House and Slipways at Ramsgate Harbour, and close to the Royal Victoria Pavilion. The Clock House is a Grade II* Listed building and I understand the slipways have some form of protection, although I can’t find them on the online register. I would urge you to take a look at these

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-90349842015065952332010-08-23T08:00:00.002+01:002010-08-23T08:00:07.017+01:00

A couple of small albums have been added to the website. The first shows 30 views of Ramsgate published by Rock & Co. of London around 1870. Click HERE to view. The second album is by Charles, Reynolds & Co., of London. The views are in a hard back album with fold out leaves. Click HERE to view the album. For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-8438578289920554712010-08-20T08:00:00.002+01:002010-08-20T08:05:26.242+01:00

In 1853 Sir William Cubitt prepared an estimate for structural repairs to Ramsgate Harbour. In May 1855 Sir William was instructed by the Board of Trade to prepare a further report on the state of these works. This 6 page report details the state of works, reasons for cost overrun, progress made and expected future costs. Click HERE to read it. For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-5335784329769376052010-08-18T22:09:00.001+01:002010-08-18T22:10:17.427+01:00

A report on the Ramsgate's Royal Harbour has been added to the RamsgateHistory.com website. The report was made to The Board of Trade by Captain Tyler, R.E., Captain W.H. Walker, and H.R. Williams, Esq. on the 5th June 1869 This fascinating document is in 24 pages and details a complete picture of the harbour at that time, including a brief history, condition and workings of the harbour,

Philnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-79903623443942224912010-08-11T08:24:00.003+01:002010-08-11T08:25:48.643+01:00

Does anyone know of a Ramsgate significance for the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls? This 1930 Steward's badge is believed to have belonged to someone who lived and worked in Ramsgate. For more of old Ramsgate visit RamsgateHistory.com

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-85661721970745524502010-07-25T16:01:00.004+01:002010-07-25T16:08:58.670+01:00

For anyone interested in motorcycles, we're publishing photos of the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club's quarter mile sprint that was held on Ramsgate's western undercliff in conjunction with the Invicta MCC Ramsgate. This is an ongoing project and new photos will be added as they are scanned. Please email us if you can help identify any of the riders or machines.The album can be found HERE

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-89330699551143575362010-07-14T08:23:00.000+01:002010-07-14T08:23:42.602+01:00

Can you identify this pub? The photo is believed to have been taken in Ramsgate in the late fifties or early sixties. The "Bob & Phil" sign says they appeared twice daily which may give a clue, and the large "shelf" is quite distinctive.The lady playing the piano accordion wasn't a regular member of the band as she mainly played in Canterbury. http://www.ramsgatehistory.com/forum/index.php/topic,

Philnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-59688251954722121322010-07-06T07:50:00.001+01:002010-07-06T07:53:07.436+01:00

Whilst looking through the Invicta Motor Cycle Club’s paperwork I came across an envelope addressed to the Club with a London postmark of November 1972 which contained the following photos. Can anyone help with identifying the riders or venue? Does anyone have any more pictures or stories of the Club? More on the Invicta Club can be found HERE

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-64531260145780093402010-06-16T09:19:00.000+01:002010-06-16T09:19:51.324+01:00

Was Ramsgate at the forefront of technology? The 1872 map of Ramsgate shows a Submarine Telegraph Office in Shah Place. Do you have any information on this. More details HERE Click HERE for the full map

Philnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-73324295621530426342010-06-16T09:11:00.001+01:002010-06-16T09:14:23.210+01:00

The following pictures have been added to our Photo Album with captions at http://www.ramsgatehistory.com/album/. Any information will gratefully received. Do you have any photos of fires or brigade personel?

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-74731679131068748502010-06-10T08:30:00.002+01:002010-06-11T09:11:52.322+01:00

It wasn't until 1938 that local authorities were required to provide a Fire Brigade. Prior to this many towns formed their own volunteer forces. Ramsgate's brigade can be traced back to the mid 1800's when it was under the control of the Borough Police Force. For a more detailed history and pictures dating back over 100 years, click HERE  Lord Winterstoke, Ramsgate's first mechanically propelled

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-3860481013585259442010-05-29T08:31:00.000+01:002010-05-29T08:31:04.021+01:00

Having just visited the "Cold War" Civil Defence Control Centre in Gravesend, I find it almost inconceivable that there wasn't such a structure in the Ramsgate area. The Gravesend bunker (operational 1954-1968) was supplemented by a subsidiary counterpart in nearby Northfleet, which would indicate that Government planning called for one in each town. Does anyone know of such an establishment in

Philnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-65462273553863431902010-05-09T15:58:00.000+01:002010-05-09T15:58:58.205+01:00

Since starting this blog and its associated website I have come to learn that local history is a very contentious subject. Initially I expected there may be some fierce debate about interpretation of facts, but I didn’t realise there would be problems over the ownership of our history. I recently published a post relating to John Todd, or “Donkey John” as he was known. This took the form of an

Philnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-4930402723206132432010-05-08T08:45:00.003+01:002010-05-08T08:45:00.332+01:00

We've started a new project to collect Ramsgate's Ghost Adverts. If you know of any could you let us know on the Forum at RamsgateHistory.com. We've also added around twenty new photos to the Picture Album www.ramsgatehistory.com

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-75791224619083507642010-05-05T17:54:00.000+01:002010-05-05T17:54:55.647+01:00

Can anyone help with identifying this picture from an old Ramsgate collection?

Philnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-22594693868218728702010-05-02T09:19:00.000+01:002010-05-02T09:19:38.915+01:00

The story of Tom Tit in Dunkirk is priceless ... http://www.ramsgatehistory.com/forum/index.php/topic,88.0.html

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-22761808178440797492010-05-01T07:49:00.001+01:002010-05-01T07:50:27.471+01:00

A document of Ramsgate references contained in newspapers and other publications has been added to our main website research section, courtesy of Kathleen Hollingsbee. The collection is in searchable PDF format alphabetically listed in name order: http://ramsgatehistory.com/research.html EXAMPLE: George BATH, fisherman:"Ramsgate: Smuggling case - "the 2nd and final examination of Edward Lowther,

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-81399389647511512412010-04-29T16:54:00.002+01:002010-04-29T17:33:58.316+01:00

An interview by: His Worship the Mayor of Ramsgate 'To-night we have with us Old John Todd of Ramsgate, The Veteran Donkey King of Ramsgate Sands.' Mayor - Well, John, you've been on Ramsgate Sands with your donkeys for a very long time? John - Yes, Sir, for over sixty years, I've had my donkeys and my boys helping me. Mayor - Let me see, you've got five sons in the donkey business? John - Yes

Philnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-43000368436616838552010-04-20T09:32:00.001+01:002010-04-20T09:35:00.955+01:00

This picture is of St Lawrence Smugglers Caves, but the name St Lawrence has been used all over the town, including the railway station along the seafront, which was once known as St Lawrence by the Sea Station. Ramsgate is riddled with tunnels and caves, do you know where the Smugglers Caves are? A further 30 photos have been added to the album at the Ramsgate History website plus some

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-68427393252744734542010-04-14T23:03:00.000+01:002010-04-14T23:03:44.764+01:00

My memories of my days at St: George’s School. In 1936 some of us boys were told to attend at this school to sit an examination. Those who obtained the necessary marks were then selected to attend at either Chatham House, St George’s or Ellington to continue their schooling when the next term started the following September. I passed for St: George’s and that was at that time in School Road, it

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-58222203186430867282010-04-09T08:30:00.001+01:002010-04-08T22:25:47.793+01:00

I'm not sure if this event is about Ramsgate of old or current activities, but it sounds interesting: Smugglers and Spirits at Belgian Cafe Wrap up warm for some spine-tingling tales as you join storyteller, Emily Parrish, on this spooky storytelling walk. Saturday 10th April 7pm Meet outside the Belgium Cafe, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate Tickets £3 on arrivalDuration approx 45mins. Not suitable

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-41367403418237382332010-04-08T09:00:00.001+01:002010-04-08T09:00:00.103+01:00

WANTED YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF RAMSGATE How well do you know King Street? Alleged to have had thirteen pubs at one time, King Street was obviously one of Ramsgate's more lively areas. Take a walk up the street with us and see what you can remember. We've only found twelve of the pubs, perhaps you can help find the missing den of iniquity. Click HERE to take the tour

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-2108446653002149712010-04-06T08:55:00.005+01:002010-04-06T08:55:00.051+01:00

Ramsgate received its Royal Charter on the 2nd of April 1884. 50 years later in 1934 the town celebrated its Jubilee of Incorporation with a Historical Pageant in Ellington Park. Many of our older residents will remember this event, and many took part in it. From the local paper: THE SPIRIT OF ENGLANDRAMSGATE JUBILEEPAGEANT OF "GREAT LITTLE CITIES" From Our Special Correspondent: On a lawn in

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-29511175518044303012010-04-03T13:39:00.000+01:002010-04-03T13:39:16.779+01:00

Do you remember Henekeys? Positioned in the centre of town this must have been a favourite watering hole of many until it was destroyed by fire in the 1960's. Do you have any recollections of the pub or any photos? Do you know anything about Nethercourt Airfield, or the Cannon Inn at St. Lawrence? These topics and many others would benefit from your input on the new Forum at ramsgatehistory.com/

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-30310740852664350482010-04-01T09:01:00.001+01:002010-04-01T09:01:00.845+01:00

This Old Ramsgate photo (click on it to enlarge) is a mystery as I can't find the business listed in any of the directories published by Michael's Book Shop. Can anyone help out with the date, location and any other info? For more of old Ramsgate visit http://www.ramsgateremembered.co.uk/

Philnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-29624916065828953492010-03-30T16:34:00.001+01:002010-03-30T17:58:00.839+01:00

A bit more information and some pictures of A.B.C. Kempe and his time as Mayor have been added to our webiste. Click HERE to view. For more of old Ramsgate visit http://www.ramsgateremembered.co.uk/

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-27523070279919386972010-03-29T09:10:00.003+01:002010-03-29T09:10:00.187+01:00

Mr. A. B. C. Kempe AN APPRECIATION(from a newspaper article by Eddie ButcherMayor 1953-54) ARTHUR Bloomfield Courtenay Kempe, popularly known as A.B.C. will surely rank as one of the most outstanding figures of Ramsgate's public life. He entered the Council shortly after taking up a professional appointment here in the early 1930s, when efforts were being made to revive the town's prestige and

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-71829513353466375472010-03-27T09:00:00.001Z2010-03-27T08:28:05.717Z

"This town was on Monday thrown into a considerable state of excitement, in consequence of the conviction of several fishermen for hawking fish about the streets. John BUCKLEY, Henry RIGDEN, William SOLLY, William NAIRNE, James BUZZY, William GOLDSMITH, Charles KENDALL and two others (some of whom had been before convicted) were brought before the sitting Magistrates charged by Sergeant CLARK and

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-13786728129629438262010-03-26T09:55:00.005Z2010-03-26T10:00:24.816Z

From an article in a local paper published in the 1980’s Sixty years ago, with other village children, I spent many happy hours playing inside the Cliff Path tunnel at Chilton. It ran from bottom meadow under cliff path and came out in the old pleasure gardens. It was also a short cut to get a swim or paddle. The meadow was farmed by the late William and Albert Anstey and I went to work for

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-87633203972356162492010-03-25T09:14:00.004Z2010-03-25T10:11:50.108Z

Following the Granville Marina Restaurant debacle of recent years, I've received a short article about the Marina's heyday as remembered by a former Marina resident, who also worked in the area for many years. Click HERE for the full article and pictures of what was once a jewel in Ramsgate's crown. For more of old Ramsgate visit http://www.ramsgateremembered.co.uk/

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-54977582688102793912010-03-23T12:36:00.000Z2010-03-23T12:36:22.296Z

Here are a few pictures of a big parade in Ramsgate which were taken during Alderman A.B.C. Kempe's time as Mayor (1938-1942). St George's Church features in the parade and also Royal Parade. Can anyone help out with the date, and what the occasion was? Please leave a comment below or email: oldramsgate@btinternet.com For more of old Ramsgate visit http://www.ramsgateremembered.co.uk/

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-26793185040048913742010-03-23T09:00:00.001Z2010-03-23T09:02:32.421Z

An 1872 Ordnance Survey map of Ramsgate Town is now available online. The map is from a survey by Lieutenent R. Hill R.E. and is scaled at 41.66 feet to 1 inch or 1:500. This is a very detailed map and was surveyed at a time when Ramsgate was undergoing major expansion. It's a fascinating insight into old Ramsgate and also a very useful research tool. Click HERE to view the map. For more of old

Philnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-15941497637932676422010-03-22T09:15:00.003Z2010-03-22T09:15:00.677Z

A very big THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to this blog. Thanks to your help several mysteries have been solved, mistakes corrected and new material added. Whilst a blog is a very easy way of communicating, it's not so good when it comes to archiving. With this in mind a new website has been created at http://www.ramsgateremembered.co.uk/ where everything is being archived in what is

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-68469285346572691082010-03-21T09:15:00.001Z2010-03-21T09:15:00.273Z

From the Daily Mail, Thursday March 11, 2010 QUESTION: As a child I used to holiday in Ramsgate and would travel by the small open train through a tunnel to the seafront. Is it still there? KENT Coast Railway opened its branch from Herne Bay through Margate to Ramsgate Harbour in 1863, in competition with South Eastern Railway's line through Canterbury to Ramsgate Town. The latter was on top of

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-53446676301200134112010-03-18T09:55:00.001Z2010-03-25T07:51:21.796Z

A walk home from St. George's School in Church Road around 1938: "At the end of the school road there was Pig's Alley that connected to the High Street. There was a slaughter house at the top of the alley and the shop at the bottom was a pork butchers well known for its' sausages and chitterlings. I don't remember animals there but they must have been delivered during school hours. I have

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-31971952600990921542010-03-15T11:02:00.001Z2010-05-11T08:27:02.114+01:00

Here's one for the railway enthusiasts. The above map shows the S.E.R. Railway and Town Station layout as it was in 1872. Click on the map to enlarge it. To help you get your bearings, Clarence Road shown parallel with the Margate & Ramsgate Branch is today known as Hillbrow Road. The Branch from Ashford runs from the sidings between the current Railway Station and Sorting Office in Wilfred Road

Philnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-9442557347943951152010-03-14T11:29:00.004Z2010-03-14T20:53:45.617Z

From an Old Ramsgateonian: We as a family were very lucky to come through the war unharmed. We did have one incendiary bomb at the bottom of the garden and on another occasion, after an air battle overhead, we found damage to the roof and ceiling of my bedroom. This was due to the nose cone of a cannon shell. The incendiary bomb fell one night just as I arrived home from work. I heard an

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-54301655956869087962010-03-12T10:53:00.004Z2010-03-14T16:42:01.481Z

Trains first arrived in Ramsgate in April 1846 courtesy of the South Eastern Railway (SER). The line terminated at the SER Station which later became known as the Town Station. This was situated at the junction of Margate Road and Station Approach Road. The site is currently occupied by a block of flats known as Chatham Court. RAMSGATE TOWN STATION Later that same year the SER line was extended

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-15808171438626941812010-03-10T18:03:00.000Z2010-03-10T18:03:33.145Z

An old Ramsgateonian takes a walk through St Lawrence c.1930 My mother took me for my first day at, “St: Lawrence Infant’s School”. It stood opposite to the entrance to the recreation ground in, Newington Road, where the swimming pool is now. The Girl’s school was next to the infant's school and the Boy's school was across the road below the entrance to the recreation ground. At that time my

Philnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-50874639572588030252010-03-09T08:20:00.003Z2010-03-09T12:57:03.466Z

This post has been updated with comments from Michael's Book Shop On the 4th of April 1901 the Electric Tramways & Lighting Co. Ltd opened a new electric tram service which linked Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate. The Ramsgate terminus was at the town's railway station which was at the junction of Margate Road and today's Station Approach Road. From here it ran along its own private track to

Philnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-4454617720403591602010-03-06T13:16:00.008Z2010-03-08T09:40:23.591Z

This post has been updated with information from contributors: In late July 1914, with war looming, the fledgling Dover Patrol was born which, from its early beginnings as a modest and poorly equipped command, became one of the most important Royal Navy commands of the First World War. The Dover Patrol assembled cruisers, monitors, destroyers, armed trawlers and drifters, paddle mine-sweepers,

Philnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-35871102875812156462010-03-05T08:12:00.007Z2010-03-30T16:43:23.646+01:00

Pratts was a trading name of the Anglo American Oil Company which became known as Esso in 1936. Pratts Ramsgate depot was in Lorne Road, from where a lot of the petrol was supplied in two-gallon cans as the smaller customers didn't have storage tanks. It was supplied in different grades with each grade having a different colour painted on the top of the can. Pratts cans were green all over for

Philnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-86740249777147375162010-03-04T08:15:00.003Z2010-03-04T08:15:02.038Z

Many thanks to John for sending some more pictures of the Odeon Cinema. Ramsgate's Odeon opened in 1936 and was designed by Andrew Mather. Mather also jointly designed the Odeon in Leicester Square which opened 1 year later. I remember the exterior as being a striking example of Art Deco styling, but it must be 50+ years since I've seen the interior. Having been one of Ramsgate's premier

Philnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-42165615718719208632010-02-28T17:59:00.003Z2010-04-06T20:33:09.704+01:00

A big thank you to John for sending around 80 very interesting photos of Old Ramsgate which have been posted in the picture album. Included are many shots of businesses in the town and I’m working my way through them trying place them. If you can help please leave a comment or send an email. Shown above is the Odeon Cinema on the corner of King Street and Broad Street, latterly known as the

Philnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-10158932418340798732010-02-27T08:10:00.002Z2010-02-27T07:59:01.577Z

The Bounty being towed out of harbour in 1951 Originally called the Alastor, the Bounty transported many emigrants to New Zealand, and later brought timber from Finland to the Kent coast. In 1946 she was brought to Ramsgate, renamed Bounty and converted into a floating restauarant. She was moored near the Clock House in the pier yard until 1951 when she was taken to London for the Festival of

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-37896384377166467212010-02-26T11:41:00.000Z2010-02-26T11:48:20.323Z

Many years ago motorcycles were operated by a series of levers. I remember riding a 1930s Scott motorcycle with a hand operated gear change. The gear lever was on the right hand side of the fuel tank, and on the right side of the handlebars were the lever operated choke, front brake and lever operated throttle (accelerator). Things became quite busy when approaching a junction especially if you

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-46082378007857932472010-02-24T21:54:00.001Z2010-03-01T08:47:22.067Z

George Sanger built his Amphitheatre on the corner of High Street and George Street in 1883. Initially it was a circus building but was also used for opera and drama from its early days. The building was converted to a theatre in 1908 by Frank Matcham, a well known and prolific builder of theatres, and was renamed the Royal Palace Theatre. Films were also shown and in 1929 the theatre was

Philnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-20560671676309007432010-02-24T17:00:00.000Z2010-02-25T08:48:08.773Z

Claxton & Co. Ltd. were a well known and highly skilled engineering company in Ramsgate. In 1936 they occupied the Clock House at the Harbour and were carrying out ship repairs on the slipway. They also had stores at 7 Military Road. This photo is dated September 25th 1939 and was taken outside Merrie England in Marina Esplanade. A couple of weeks later in October 1939 Merrie England was

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-6057379767301966602010-02-24T09:25:00.000Z2010-02-24T09:25:06.498Z

A scanned copy of Collard and Hurst's 1822 map of Ramsgate has been uploaded to the Old Ramsgate Discussion Group site. The map is from a survey by R. Collard and G. Hurst and was published in 1823 by R. Collard, Broadstairs.  The scan is slightly blurred in places but should prove useful for research purposes. Click HERE to see the map full size.

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-5009562493389688482010-02-22T22:22:00.000Z2010-02-22T23:10:47.786Z

Can anybody help out with these two new photos that have been added to our Old Ramsgate Picture Album . . . The notice says it's Real Ramsgate Rock, 56 lbs that's 25.4 kilos in new moneyDo you know who the characters were or when and why it was made?

Philnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-11249438131992063312010-02-17T18:35:00.001Z2010-02-21T22:18:29.843Z

Footage of Invicta MCC Combine Trial held at Westbere Cafe on the A28 east of Canterbury. Starting the Trial is Martin Tomson of Tomson & Wotton Brewery. 1950's Invicta Motorcycle Club Scramble. Date and venue unknown The Sunbeam Motorcycle Club Sprint in association with Ramsgate's Invicta Motorcycle Club. A quarter mile sprint along Ramsgate's Western Undercliff.

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-74784925988387959452010-02-17T18:34:00.000Z2010-02-20T17:22:16.549Z

Photo Album of Old Ramsgate copied from various sources including Ramsgate Library's collection by kind permission of the late Charles Busson

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-7253320209045692932010-02-13T19:49:00.000Z2010-02-17T19:26:28.490Z

1920 - Captured German Submarine towed into Ramsgate Harbour1933 - Ramsgate Councillors take to the air on a new air service to London1936 - Pegwell Bay frozen over (plus other non Ramsgate events)1939 - Tea Party on Ramsgate Sands attended By Ramsgate's Top Hat Mayor Alderman A.B.C. Kempe1940 - Bomb Raid on Ramsgate

Philnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606941903131462398.post-64573249014042984912010-02-13T18:36:00.001Z2010-02-27T07:45:11.799Z

Welcome to Ramsgate This blog is under construction as a convenient place to assemble information about Ramsgate's past. New content will be added as and when it becomes available.

Philnoreply@blogger.com11