History of Thanet

Thanet is an area in the southeast of England, consisting of a peninsula that juts out into the North Sea. The towns of Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate are located on the coast of Thanet and have a rich and varied history.

Ramsgate is the largest of the three towns and has a long history as a fishing and shipping port. It was also an important centre for smuggling in the 18th century. In the early 19th century, Ramsgate became a fashionable seaside resort, attracting wealthy visitors who came to enjoy its sandy beaches and fresh sea air. The town’s Victorian architecture, including the Royal Harbour and the Granville Theatre, are testament to its past as a popular destination for the wealthy.

Broadstairs, located to the north of Ramsgate, also has a long history as a seaside resort. It was popular with Victorian holidaymakers who came to enjoy its sandy beaches, picturesque clifftop walks, and quaint streets lined with charming cottages. Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor to the town and is said to have based many of his characters on the local people he met there. Today, Broadstairs is still a popular destination for visitors, with a thriving arts and culture scene and a range of festivals and events throughout the year.

Margate, located to the north of Broadstairs, has a history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was a small fishing village. In the 18th century, the town became a popular destination for sea bathing, with visitors coming from across the country to enjoy its sandy beaches and healthy sea air. Margate continued to grow in popularity throughout the 19th century, with the opening of the world’s first sea-bathing hospital in 1791 and the arrival of the railway in 1846, which made the town more accessible to visitors from London. Margate’s amusement parks and entertainment venues, such as Dreamland and the Winter Gardens, were popular with holidaymakers throughout the 20th century.

In addition to its rich history, Thanet has also been home to many famous people over the years. Notable figures include artist Tracey Emin, who grew up in Margate and has since become one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Broadstairs was also the birthplace of actor and comedian Stephen Fry, who has gone on to become one of the UK’s most beloved and respected entertainers.

Thanet has also been featured in a number of movies, TV shows, and songs over the years. The 1967 film “Smashing Time” featured scenes filmed in Margate, while the 1985 film “Letter to Brezhnev” was partially filmed in Liverpool, but also featured scenes filmed in Ramsgate. More recently, the popular TV series “Broadchurch” was partially filmed in and around the town of Broadstairs, bringing the area to a new generation of viewers. Musician and songwriter Pete Doherty, who spent time living in Ramsgate, has also referenced the town in some of his songs.

Today, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and Margate continue to attract visitors with their rich history, picturesque scenery, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s past, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the local food and drink scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Thanet.