Margate, Kent
A grand old English seaside resort
(Photos ©urban75, 29th November 2009)
First recorded as 'Meregate' in 1264 and adopting its current name in 1299, Margate's history is closely tied to the sea, and the south eastern town has been a popular seaside destination for over 250 years
In 1805, bathing machines could be seen on the beach, described in a contemporary journal as:
"four-wheeled carriages, covered with canvas, and having at one end of them an umbrella of the same materials which is let down to the surface of the water, so that the bather descending from the machine by a few steps is concealed from the public view, whereby the most refined female is enabled to enjoy the advantages of the sea with the strictest delicacy."
The 1844 railway helped make Margate a popular working class resort for Londoners drawn to its sandy beaches, with attractions, bars and a bustling fairground entertaining visitors. Sadly, Margate's Victorian pier was destroyed by a violent storm in 1978.
The town also witnessed the infamous gang violence between mods and rockers in the 1960s, and mods and skinheads in the 1980s.
Like most British seaside resorts, Margate has had a tough time over the past few decades, although major redevelopment and regeneration is taking part in some parts of the town.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-02.jpg)
On the coast path leading into Margate from Broadstairs.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-03.jpg)
Curious graffiti.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-04.jpg)
A number of large ships were anchored off Margate.
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![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-05.jpg)
Depressing graffiti on the sea wall.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-06.jpg)
"Trudging slowly over wet sand..."
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-07.jpg)
Burnt out water ski hire shop.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-08.jpg)
Looking back towards Broadstairs, showing the chalk, fossil-bearing rock.
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![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-09.jpg)
Large outdoor swimming pool.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-12.jpg)
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-10.jpg)
Lift down to the beach.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-11.jpg)
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![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-13.jpg)
Old Lido sign.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-14.jpg)
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-15.jpg)
Margate harbour wall.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-16.jpg)
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-17.jpg)
The impressive 1812 building of the Margate Pier and Harbour Company.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-18.jpg)
Derelict buildings by the road into Margate.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-21.jpg)
Fort Road Hotel.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-19.jpg)
New Turner Contemporary building under construction.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-20.jpg)
Looking along the deserted promenade.
![Photos of Margate harbour, beach, old town, promenade and street signs, November, 2009](images/margate-kent-photos-22.jpg)
Closed fast food shops by the sea front.
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