Ramsgate Harbour & Wartime Tunnels Kent

So here are some pics of my out and about trip to Ramsgate Harbour, which is both stunning and of great historical interest. Specifically today there was a vintage fair heralding old war time clothes and equipment. People were there in there droves enjoying the glorious scenic view over glasses of wine, whilst others were waiving their England flags in participation of the Vera Lynn platform performance. I would definitely recommend a visit! Great cafes and leisure boat rides and of course the wonderful sandy coastline.

The construction of Ramsgate Harbour began in 1749 and was completed in about 1850. The two most influential architects of the Harbour were father and son John Shaw and John Shaw Jr, who designed the clockhouse, the obelisk, the lighthouse and the Jacob’s Ladder steps.

The Harbour has the unique distinction of being the only harbour in the United Kingdom awarded the right to call itself a Royal Harbour. This was bestowed by King George IV after he was taken by the hospitality shown by the people of Ramsgate when he used the harbour to depart and return with the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1821.

Because of its proximity to mainland Europe, Ramsgate was a chief embarkation point both during the Napoleonic Wars and for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. The ferry terminal area is built upon reclaimed land.