The Clock Tower and Viking Bay
 

 


Local history

Broadstairs and St Peter's, along with other East Kent seaside towns, became popular during the late Georgian and Victorian period when sea-bathing was a favourite pastime, made more accessible by the introduction of rail links. The area with its seven glorious bays, four conservation areas, five areas of high townscape value and approaching two hundred listed buildings warrants its reputation as "the jewel in Thanet's crown".

There are many events taking place throughout the year in Broadstairs, Dickens Festival in June, Sea Sunday in July, Broadstairs Folk Week in August and the November 5th Family Fireworks Event to name but a few.

York Gate and White's Wharf in 1789St Peters Parish church dates back to the 11th Century. York Gate (pictured right) next to Viking Bay was built in the 16th century to protect the town, and restored in the 18th century to prevent the French from invading during the Napoleonic wars.

Many underground tunnels exist from times when smugglers operated quite openly in Broadstairs and surrounding areas - one famous (or infamous) character was Joss Snelling who lived in Lanthorne Road.

During the summer months (May through to September/October) a tour of St Peters Village transports you back in time to see what happened centuries ago. Other guided tours from the same venue include The Churchyard Tour and War Graves Tours of the two World Wars
St Peter's Village Tour.

Charles Dickens, the famous author and writer, who visited on many occasions, referred to Broadstairs as "our English watering place". Many places in Broadstairs have links to Charles Dickens, notably Dickens House Museum where once lived Mary Pearson Strong upon whom Charles Dickens is thought to have based his character, Betsey Trotwood from David Copperfield; also Bleak House, which is now privately owned and not usually open to the public. Our Dickens Festival takes place each year during June.

Most Saturday afternoons, an historic walk takes place in Broadstairs beginning at the promenade next to the Charles Dickens public house.
For further information on local history, see the displays at THE BROADSTAIRS LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM, Crampton Tower, CT10 2AB Tel: 01843 871133.

Broadstairs & St Peter's is loved as you can see! But now time and "progress" march towards us. Developers and governments wish to "improve" the Town and the Village of St Peters, along with all the south-east. The Society is committed to managing this progress - in line with our aims - and wishes to try to preserve, and improve, the facilities and features of the Town and Village for the benefit of its people and its visitors for years to come. If you, dear reader, are of like mind, you may wish to join our Society. We are always delighted to welcome new members - please contact our membership secretary (Mrs Kathleen Hotson) on 01843 868835, or see Membership for further details.