Simply Whitstable

You'll love this... some fascinating old photos from Dave Jordan.... a 1954 group shot of the 1st Whitstable Scouts from Cliffe Cuttelle... a delve into more school and community history thanks to Ian Johnson and Nigel Robinson... and another look at Vicky Quinney's 1966 sketch of Starvation Point.

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Welcome to Whitstable

Welcome to Whitstable on the North Kent coast of the UK. The town lies just 60 miles East of London and 6 miles North of the cathedral city of Canterbury. As a fishing port, Whitstable is famous for its oysters and appreciated by many for its quaint architecture and stunning sunsets.

In these pages, we have tried to capture the magic of a unique town. We don't pretend to present an official view... we don't have any official status and we don't have connections with any local organisations. We don't set out to advertise specific Whitstable businesses... we are not PR men. We don't make money... in fact we have no income and run the site on free web space at Orange.

We are simply born and bred Whitstable people presenting our view of our home and having some fun along the way. However, we do have specific aims....

to make contact with ex-pat Whitstable Natives (and others with an interest in the town) from around the world
to reunite ex-pat Natives with friends and relatives in Whitstable or elsewhere
to stir a few memories amongst current and former residents of Whitstable
to investigate aspects of Whitstable's past through the recollections and research of our vistors
to prompt discussion of some local issues
to enable local residents to show friends and relatives where they live and what their home town is like
to provide some information for visitors

The site is organised here in Whitstable but the content is provided by many Whitstable people from around the globe and it takes the form of substantial articles, photos, memories and anecdotes.

It is therefore "Our Site".... and the "We" can be anyone who wishes to contribute. Think of it as a community club... but one that is open to all.

We hope you enjoy it. More important, we hope you enjoy Whitstable itself. Thanks for calling.

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*This Is.....
Simply Whitstable

The Greta

Town Origins

Name & Place
Brian Smith's absorbing article on the origins of Whitstable

Mystery of
Dodeham
Brian Smith continues the discussion of the origins of Whitstable with a mystery sutrounding the ancient manor.

History of the Shoreline
Brian Smith's fascinating discussion of the Whitstable shoreline since 1287

Old Field Names of Whitstable
Brian Smith maps and lists almost 200 old field names and discusses origins. Spot how some now have modern uses.

Old Canterbury & Whitstable Railway
Brian Smith provides an overview of the famous line.

References

Sources of Ref
Books/Videos on Whitstable

Days Gone By

DGB Menu
Frozen sea, hobbies, clubs, schooldays, streets, the Vigilant & more

Whitstable Harbour
Articles & photos about the past

Whitstable at War
Whitstable in WWII

Collar's Boatyard
Article by Jean Martin on the subject of the town's most influential boatyard of the late nineteenth century... established by her great, great, great grandfather.

Maunsell Forts
Memories of the WII sea forts in the Thames estuary with photos by Peter Dalrymple

Flood of '53
Town's most severe natural disaster

Windmills
Brian Smith's article on the location, function and history of 11 Whitstable windmills of the past.

Thames Barges

Thames Barges
History of barges in Whitstable, harbour operations, barge stories, pictorials and a simple guide to barge design.

Active Barges
Photos of ten active barges taken by Peter Dalrymple at the 2007 Swale Barge Match

Barge Match
Photos of the Swale Smack and Sailing Barge match of 2007... supplied by Peter Dalrymple

Sea Trips/Charter

The Greta
The Thames Barge "Greta" - with photos of the vessel, Red Sands Forts and Windfarm

Waverley Paddle Steamer
Whitstable to London Bridge and more

Events

Carnival
From recent years

May Day 2005
The 2005 event

May Day General
A typical Whitstable May Day with photos from recent years

Oyster Festival
Recent festivals

Xmas Market
Recent Xmas Street Markets

Information

Location
Location maps

Road Routes
Routes to Town

Rail Routes
Rail travel

Car Parks
Parking issues and car parks

Accommod
List of local hotels and guest houses

Eating Out
List of local eating places