SANDWICH

 Sandwich is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in Kent. It is also one of the most historic, and has more 'Historic Buildings Of Kent' plaques than any other.  From the 2,000 year old Roman Fort of Rutupiae (Richborough) on its' outskirts, to modern times, there is just so much to see

Sandwich was one of the Cinque Ports and still has many original medieval buildings, including several listed public houses and gates in the old town walls,

churches, almshouses and the White Mill. While once a major port, it is now two miles from the sea due to the disappearance of the Wantsum Channel. Its historic centre has been preserved. Sandwich Bay is home to nature reserves and two world-class golf courses, Royal St George's and Prince's. The town is also home to many educational and cultural events. Sandwich also gave its name to the food by way of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, and the word sandwich is now found in several languages.

Above, is the Fisher Gate, the last remaining gateway into the old town.  Giving access to the historic quay, this gatehouse was erected in 1384, restored by the Cooper's guild in 1560 and again in 1955. 

The River Stour runs through the town. It was once navigable for miles inland, and was one of the reasons Sandwich became a Cinque Port. It was once lined with busy shipyards and fishing docks.

Above is the Barbican Gate, which guards the toll bridge entry to the town. King Canute granted the monks of Christchurch, Canterbury the right to operate a ferry here and charge a toll; a practice that only ended in 1977.

You can still read the final toll charges on a board beneath the arch. They date from 1905 and contain charges like: "For every locomotive weighing 2 tons or under, having 4 wheels 1/-" If you're too young to know our old currency (pre-1971) 1/- is one shilling, the equivalent to 5p in today's money!

The road from Canterbury runs right through Sandwich to the Quayside. This is Strand Street. This street may boast more timber-framed buildings than any other street in England. Most of these medieval and Jacobean houses are still inhabited.

The Old Drum. In 1457, a force of 4,000 French soldiers launched a devastating raid on Sandwich, pillaging the town and murdering the mayor.

The area of the town from the Ramparts adjacent to the Canterbury Gate up to Bowling Street was largely razed to the ground. The destruction would have included Church Street St Mary's, home to The Old Drum. Said to date back to 1450, seven years before the carnage, it is thought to be Sandwich's first ever pub.

The Drum is designated as ‘An Historic Building of Kent’ and the property is now a private house. Its previous use is apparent from the cellar hatch in the front wall at the bottom left as you look at the front of the building.

This pleasant picnic area on the river bank, is The Butts, where archery would have been practised in medieval times. Henry V's archers honed their skills here before setting sail to France and their famous victory at Agincourt.

the Delf river, which supplied a lot of the town's water.

Another former hostelry, the Malt Shovel Inn,  a 15th century timber framed house, refronted in the 18th century. Note the wrought iron sign, and the bowing of the front window

These old alms houses, dating originally from 1287, can be rented as holiday lets.

This is one of 3 impressive churches in Sandwich. St. Mary's is still consecrated, but decommissioned as a church. This is St. Peter's, which stands in the middle of the town. 

St Peter's is the guardian of an ancient Sandwich tradition. Every day at 8pm, the curfew bell rings out, signalling that the townspeople should cover their fires to make them safe for the night. This was once known as the 'pigbell', as it also informed people they could release their animals into the street.

A second bell, called the 'goose bell', was rung at 5am to tell householders to take their animals back indoors lest they be impounded. 

The town pump. If you look over the wall, you can see the leat from the River Delf which supplies the water for the pump

The War Memorial, which stands by the entrance to St. Peter's churchyard, in the town square. Although originally commissioned for World War I, it also commemorates the dead of World War II, Korea, and the Falklands Conflict. 

Welcome to Holy Ghost Alley - don't use it if you're claustrophobic, as it is so narrow, you almost have to turn sideways to pass through!

The Old Town Gaol, now 2 small houses and a shop. Passage through the building with studded timber framed walls leads to No 7 at the rear.

The Old Dutch House, formerly called the Shoemaker's House, is believed to be of Flemish design. hence the name. Dates from the late 17th. century, with slightly later doors and windows.

Very attractive building in Market Street. I'm sorry that I don't know more about it. The date on the wall translates to 1982, but that date pertains to the Estate Agents, not the building.

St. Clement's Church, the Parish Church of Sandwich, with its' stunning Norman tower, thus denoting that parts of it are at least over 1,000 years old. That Norman tower is one of the finest in England. The tower was originally topped by a spire, but this was removed in the 1670s shortly after the towers of both other Sandwich parish churches had collapsed.

Until 1683 it was custom in Sandwich that the Mayor was elected in St Clements Church. So important was the position considered that the townsfolk had the right to burn down the house of anyone who refused the honour. Not surprisingly, no one declined the position.

St Clements also served as a mustering point in times of trouble. If the moot horn was sounded, all able men over the age of 14 had to immediately gather at St Clement's and report to the Mayor.

There are patches of medieval tiles still visible in some places, and the colours of these have been replicated later, around the font

One of the unusual features of St Clements is the roof, which is decorated with carved wooden angels

The Town Beacon, on the Quayside.

And the National Cycle Route mile marker

Unfortunately, the Sandwich Medieval centre, which stands here, on the Quayside, was closed this day. So I guess I'll just have to come back another sunny day! On the river next to the Medieval Centre, there is a boat under restoration. This is the 'Nicholas', a replica medieval cog. 

The cog was a single mast, round bottom vessel that was built to be a merchant ship but, at times of war, converted into a fighting ship.  The castles were added fore and aft and the long bow archers would create a formidable fire power.

It’s hard to believe that there is no example of a medieval cog on display anywhere in England. It is open to the public on some days, so hopefully, I will be able to watch the restoration taking place.