John Burke's Hastings, August 1999
Sandwich and Deal |
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| Thursday 5 August 1999
Beware pillagers! As those of you who have been going through these pages in the right order
will know, we are driving along the coastal route back from Margate towards Hastings and have
left Ramsgate where we stopped for a meal and a drool at the boats in the harbour!
This is Pegwell Bay and the Vikings are in town! |
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Sandwich is now two miles from the coast, but used to be able to dip its toes in
the sea.
It was the first of the Cinque Ports, the five harbours which in return for their own
local self-government and immunity from taxes were due to give up men and boats in times of
need - England's first Navy. |
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It is approached over an old toll bridge, faced by a surviving gateway from the town walls.
The toll bridge is narrow and controlled by traffic lights. |
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The gatehouse has a board listing the tolls for various classes of vehicle or
farm animal. |
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Deal and the famous clover-leaf shaped castle.
Built by Henry VIII in 1539. |
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He was a wee bit worried at the time that Rome might
take some action against him in return for his having split away from the Roman Church.
The semi-circular bastions were designed to deflect
cannon balls.
Left: nearby Walmer Castle is a privately-owned castle, despite the signposts telling
the curious how to get there! |
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