Loading

Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour

Ramsgate began as a fishing and farming hamlet. Its earliest reference is in the Kent Hundred Rolls of 1274-5 as ‘Ramisgate’ or ‘Remmesgate’ from Anglo-Saxon”Hræfn’s geat”, or “raven’s cliff gap”, later to be rendered ‘Ramesgate’ from 1357. The legendary mercenaries Hengest and Horsa landed in the 5th century to herald the pagan Anglo-Saxon age in England. The Christian missionary St. Augustine landed in Ramsgate in 597 which re-established the link between England and the Christian church in Rome.
In 1820 King George IV set off from Ramsgate with the Royal Squadron en route to Hanover. He was so impressed by the hospitality he received at the Kent port that he decreed it be declared a ”Royal Harbour” – a status that’s unique in mainland Britain.
Ramsgate largely developed in the form we know today from 1749 onwards. It was intended as a Harbour of Refuge, following a violent storm in 1748. Later, during the Napoleonic wars, British troops were quartered at Ramsgate before embarking for the continent. Climb up Madeira Walk to Ramsgate’s East Cliff to see Wellington Crescent, a reminder of this period.
Ramsgate’s harbour is a defining characteristic of the town. Ramsgate was a member of the Confederation of Cinque Ports, under the ‘Limb’ of Sandwich, Kent. The construction of Ramsgate Harbour began in 1749 and was completed in about 1850. The Harbour has the unique distinction of being the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom. 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.
In this picture can be seen in the inner harbour there all kinds of pleasure boats and a few houseboats. the outer harbour is the working space there are various craft for the 3 windfarms (not visible in the haze) and they are Kent Flats, London Array and Thanet Offshore, there are also 2 of the 3 pilot boats which take the pilots to large ships in the Thames estuary and guide them through the English Channel plus various small fishing vessels that operate out of Ramsgate. The fishery protection boat arrived back in harbour 10 mins after I took this picture.

HFF Everyone! An apology I straightened the horizon then uploaded the wrong version and I can't replace it!

MY THANKS TO ALL WHO VISIT AND COMMENT IT IS APPRECIATED
Visible by: Everyone
(more information)

More information

Visible by: Everyone

All rights reserved

Report this photo as inappropriate

20 comments

Fred Fouarge said:

\\\\\\\\hff \\\\\\\john
2 years ago ( translate )

Christa1004 said:

A wonderfully striking view over the harbour with this deep blue sky. HFF John.
2 years ago

Petar Bojić said:

HFF an have safe weekend!
2 years ago ( translate )

LotharW said:

HFF John ein schönes Wochenende!
2 years ago ( translate )

David Slater (Spodde… said:

Nice picture and description John. Happy Easter. HFF.
2 years ago ( translate )

Ecobird said:

A busy and beautiful harbour scene John and captured on a lovely day. I also enjoyed your notes very much and was interested to read the origin of the name Ramsgate.

HFF and have a lovely Easter weekend
2 years ago

Herb Riddle said:

Ramsgate can have some rather nice weather on its great front. I do like this one John. Well done.

HFF, enjoy the weekend.
2 years ago

trester88 said:

HFF und ein friedliches Wochenende, John!
2 years ago ( translate )

Roger (Grisly) said:

Excellent capture from a terrific vantage point, John,
Expensive moorings no doubt, and thanks for the interesting information.
Wish you HFF and a nice weekend.
2 years ago

Steve Paxton said:

great sea side for this friday. HFF enjoy your weekend.
2 years ago

Percy Schramm said:

Fine perspective and a beautiful view. HFF, wish you a sunny Easter weekend, John !
2 years ago

TOZ said:

Nice view with a beautiful sky
HFF have a nice weekend
TOZ
2 years ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Superbe vue du port !
HFF et Bon weekend. Amitiés
2 years ago ( translate )

Xata said:

HFF John
2 years ago ( translate )

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

A lovely overview of the harbour John, on a beautiful day!
HFF and wish you a good Easter weekend.
2 years ago