Sea - Margate Site: Droit House Group C
Margate and Droit House Most people in Kent might think of Margate as a nightmare place, but according to the Rough Guide, it is actually a dream destination. Margate is ranked seventh in the Rough Guide’s ‘must see’ destinations for 2013. In a dramatic contrast to Margate’s center which, proportionately, has more boarded up shops than any place in the South of England, the old town by the harbour has fared much better, its narrow, winding streets are now full of boutique shops and cafes We’ll look at how Margate once exploited its natural resources and geographical location to entice thousands of visitors to bathe in the local seawater. The site of The Droit House in Margate is situated on the arm of the harbor. The town’s history is tied closely to the sea. Margate has been a leading seaside resort for at least 250 years. Like its neighbor Ramsgate, its been a popular traditional holiday destination for Londoners drawn to its sandy beaches.
Question 1
How has the history of Margate been affected by its coastal location?
Margate is a seaside town in the district of Thanet in East Kent. Thanet has been buried under the sea and then it emerged as high land. Margate has under gone changes of climate and has been subjected to severe weather (Scurrell, 1982). Its history is tied closely to the sea. Before becoming a traditional seaside resort, Margate’s supply has depended on the sea, which offered the town food, transport, trade. Up until the early 18th century, the fishing village was situated in Margate’s sheltered location; offering a safe harbour for shipping which then allowed the harbour to be used for transporting local produce such as grain and fish for the London market, as well as for the exportation of goods to the continent (Channing, 2011)
p1. A View from the Pier at Margate
Sea And Margate
Margate face’s the continent at the point where the English Channel is at its narrowest, as well as other coastal cities. It was a military post, “protecting the Channel in times of war and merchant ships from the enemy’s privateer”(Channing, 2011) In the 15th century, Margate was added in the confederation of Cinque Ports as the Limb of Dover without written authority, which supported its Head Port in times of need (Scurrell, 1982). The Confederation of Clique Ports dates back to the time of Edward the Confessor, back to 1050. The reason of its establishment was to develop the Royal Navy, and also provide defence to control the narrow sea against invaders. The King noticed their important location. “At the time, the Confessor of the burgesses of these ports were to supply to the king with 20 ships for 15 days. In each ship there were 21 seamen and a boy-curiously always called the grummett. In return the King remitted to them Sac and Soc (the right to hold court and the profits arising from their jurisdiction). They were to ferry the King, his men and goods, and to repel pirates.”(Kay, 2002) As the limb of Dover, Margate helped to relive the pressure on the Head Port for supplying ships, manpower and money to the King. At the siege of Calais, Margate sent 15 ships and 160 men in 1346 to support the war (Scurrell, 1982). Becoming the Limb also means it obtained considerable benefits through the extension of many liberties and privileges below the influence of the Head Port within the Confederation. These alliances were obviously beneficial to Margate, and also to the Confederation. (Kay, 2002)
p2.”The Westminster” and “Claudine,” Ashore Near Margate
Sea And Margate Military and Cinque Ports
Sea also brought the benefit of trade to Margate. “At the time, 10 ships a year did trade with the Baltic ports, going out in ballast and returning with hemp and timber for the dockyards of Chatham, Wodwich and Deptford. Much of the trade was in corn and coal for London. In the 18th Century, 7 out of 8 ships coming to Margate carried Newcastle coal”. Trade brought moderately cheap and plentiful provisions (Scurrell, 1982) However, the development of the town was limited by its pier’s small size. “They were never recognised by the Customs Commissioners; in stead, Waiters and Searchers were stationed to supervise loading and unloading. Lewis says, ‘ Much of the shipping moved from here to London around 1720 because the harbour was inadequate.’”(Scurrell, 1982) There were diminishing fish harvests, due to the amount of seaweed being harvested for fertiliser, destroying the habitats and removing parts of the local sea life. This also contributed to the decline in its use as a port which therefore, led to the negative influence on their related industries (Channing, 2011).
p3. Samuel Owen Margate Harbour, 1806
Sea And Margate Trade Across the Sea
In the meantime, another opportunity was brought from the sea. In the mid 18th century, Dr. Russell’s Dissertation on the use of Seawater in the Diseases of the Glands, advocated the beneficial effects of seawater bathing, which became the main cause of the influx of visitors who wanted to seek health benefits from the sea. (Scurrell, 1982). In 1736, a local Quaker first introduce a natural bathing at Margate, then with the invention of Benjamin Beale’s Bathing Machine in 1753, bathing became the reason for visiting Margate. (Channing, 2011) Another reason why people visited Margate was because of its coastal location. In the 18th century, the main transport from London to Margate was Stagecoaches. However, what made Margate unusual in comparison to its earliest resorts was its convenient transport link between London and Margate. Visitors were attracted by the faster and cheaper transport before the construction of the railway.(English Heritage, 2007) Hoys were sloops of about 60-80 tons, and became the main means of traveling between Margate and London. Steam packets replaced sailing hoys in the mid-19th century (Scurrell, 1982). The development of tourism brought a thriving atmosphere to the town, rebuilding and extending the town which was a solution to the influx of visitors from the1730’s. Zechoriah Cozens described it at that time ‘ What was a small village is now, through the smiles of generous public, a populous thriving town ‘(Scurrell, 1982).
p4. Margate Hoy 1778-1810 p5. Bathing Stage
Sea And Margate New Opportunity From Sea
The sea affected Margate not only in a beneficial way, but also in a disastoros way. The storm brought a lot of damage to the town and its people through Margate’s history. A storm happened in 1803 almost destroying the High street. Margate pier was destroyed by a gale in January which led to the decline in tourism. (Scurrell, 1982) Privateers from the sea were also a considerable threat at the time. In the 9th century, the peaceful development of the island was interrupted by a sporadic attack by the Danes or Vikings, the local were terrified and had to leave their homeland. In year 978, the island of Thanet was again laid waste by the Danish privates(Scurrell, 1982). Smuggling brought by seaside trade was rife at that time, which largely affect local men from livelihood. Some smugglers armed with whips and cutlasses often resulted in loss of life (Scurrell, 1982).
p5.Illstrution about sumuggler p6. I. Hassell , (1808), Pier at Margate
Sea And Margate Damage From Sea
Bibliography Channing, S.. (2011)The Margate Tales, Birchington: Ozaru Books, an imprint of BJ Translations Ltd. Kay, A. .(2002)Cinque Port & The Two Ancient Towns, Wiltshire: Frith Book Company Ltd. Scurrell, D.. (1982) The Book of Margate,Buckingham: Barracuda Books English Heritage, (2007) Margate’s Seaside Heritage, Swindon: English Heritage p1. A View from the Pier at Margate, At: http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/Pictures/Pictures-Storms.html?zoom_highlight=droit+house (Accessed on 28.09.13) p2 THE WESTMINSTER” AND “CLAUDINE,” ASHORE NEAR MARGATE, At: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/34867/34867h/34867-h.htm#Illustration_THE_WESTMINSTER_AND_CLAUDINE_ASHORE_NEAR_MARGATE(Accessed on 28.09.13) p3 Owen,S.Margate Harbour(1806 ), At: http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/Pictures/Watercolours/Margate%20Harbour%20Samuel%20Owen%201806%20Yale.jpg?zoom_highlight=margate+harbour(Accessed on 30.09.13) p4. Margate Hoy 1778-1810, At: http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/Pictures/Watercolours/Margate%20Hoy%20 Smith%201778-1810%20Yale.jpg?zoom_highlight=margate+hoy(Accessed on 30.09.13) p5.Hodgson, P. (1979). Illstrution about Sumuggler In:Changing Seaside. Brighton: Wayland (Publishers) Ltd p6.Hassell, I. Pier at Margate (1808) At: http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/Pictures/Pictures-Storms.html?zoom_highlight=droit+house
Question 2
How has the sea shaped the way in the town has been formed in relation to the coast?
Dating back to the time the old town was a lazy little fishing village, to the untroubled days of the Dreamland period, there have been an amazing array of events that have shaped the Old Town and Margate as whole
Droit. French for right – from latin direclus- straight The Droit Office was originally constructed in 1828 as an office for the collection of Harbour dues by the Pier and Harbour Company. Meaning when ships & boats come to margate they check in and pay a fee. This refers to certain customary rights, formerly belonging to the Lord High Admiral, but now to the crown, for public purposes and paid into the Exchequer. In the 1940’s the Droit Office was destroyed by German bombing and was subsequently rebuilt in 1947 on the original footprint according to the original architects plans. Margate Jetty, also known as Margate Pier, which was designed by Eugenius Birch in 1856. The bridge was long & had wooden & iron structure which stretched out over the sea for viewing platforms and such. The bridge suffered damage from the sea over the years. In January 1877 it was damaged by a storm-driven wreck. The pier survived only a few says until 11–12 January 1978, when it was hit by another storm. The storm washed up the planks from the pier onto Margate Beach.
Sea And Town Storm
Over the years Margate has progressed and has still been trying improve to rebuild and plan the town, focusing on the old town by the sea. Due to the January 14 and 15 1808 flood, this horrific event had a drastic effect on margate town. A new defense structure has been built around the Kings Steps area, consisting of a series of wide steps from the beach to the walkway to reduce the impact of waves during future storms. This also caused a mass amount of shops to be put out of business and close down. this plan cosed £6 million In 1953, waters breached the sea walls, damaging homes and toppling the town’s lighthouse. “In the Old Town, the roads were flooded and people were coming down King Street in rowing boats. BBC reports
Sea And Margate The Flood
Margate’s High Street has a great tradition that benfits this wonderful old seaside resort. Reeling in customers to spend money and entertain. The formation of the town // high st is built around the sea. Because of the consistent storms & floods this ruined the high st.. along with the recession that the UK has not helped. Due to the recession shops have been forced to close in margate, also because of the storm damages. Shop keepers and businesses could not afford to hold their business on the sea front, so they fled away. Since then marage sea front looks somewhat like run down place. The sea changed the formation of margate, changing this town in to a money making matching. A theory called the guren transfer theory. This concept is named for Victor Gruen, an architect who designed one of the earliest shopping malls. Margate was picked as one of a dozen “Portas Pilots”, granted money in a bid to try and revive the high street. In 2009, researchers claimed that 36.5 per cent of the town’s shops were “vacant” - either empty or boarded up. A new scheme //competition called Portas Pilot who is a retail specialised looking to recreate Margate into what was a very exciting place a long time ago. Mary Portas told residents in Margate she was keen to help their fight against Tesco, saying she was “passionate” about the effects of big stores diverting business away from high streets.
p1. A View from the Pier at Margate
Sea And Margate Retail // Business
Bibliography fray pam (NA) The Droit House and Turner Contemporary, Margate geograph.org.uk [online] at: http://www.geograph.org. uk/photo/3519198 Copyright Boast Emma(2006) Margate Pier - The Pier Structure www.thanetarch.co.uk [Online] at: http://www.thanetarch.co.uk/ Virtual%20Museum/2_Galleries/G10%20Content/Display%20-%20Margate%20Pier/Margate%20Pier%20The%20Pier%20 Structure.html Tiger Silver (2011) Margate, Broadstairs and another Dickens house tigergrowl.wordpress.com [Online] at: http://tigergrowl. wordpress.com/2011/04/25/margate-broadstairs-and-another-dickens-house/ Bernstein Levitt (2009) Final Outline Design Report Dreamland Margate dreamlandmargate.com [Online] at: http://www. dreamlandmargate.com/downloads/4_Dreamland_Margate_SC_Outline_Design.pdf (Sb) (NA) Visit Thanet www.visitthanet.co.uk Official website of Visit Thanet, Thanet District Council. [online] at: http://www. visitthanet.co.uk BBC (2013) Can art change Margate’s fortunes? www.bbc.co.uk [Online] at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23686246 (Sb) (NA) Welcome to the Margate Old Town news blog. www.margateoldtown.co.uk [Online] at: http://www.margateoldtown.co.uk Lee Anthony (NA) Margate Storms www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk [Online] at: http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/Pictures/Pictures-Storms.html
Question 3
How do historic and contemporary interventions affect the way that people experience the sea?
The main pier was constructed a stone pier between 1810-1815 by architects John Rennie and William Edmunds. The harbour always had a problem of drying up during low tide and would require passengers to arrive at sea in less than half a tide and it was essential that they be travelling in small boats. However, the stone pier would only allow ships to anchor off-shore in low tide, the design of the Jetty also required ships to do the same. In the chapter defence against the sea, G.E Clarke and R.W Plackett (1957: 23-24) suggests that ‘there is no solution to protect all eroding coasts with a concrete sea wall’ and that overtime the sea defence would eventually become eroded by weathering and tidal storms. G.E Clarke, [1957] Historic Margate: Margate Public Libraries, Defence against the sea)
Image 1. ‘Margate sea wall’
Sea Defences Main Pier
Dr. Jarvis and the prier & harbour company chairmen were responsible for the ambiguous oak structure which would connect the beach to the pavilion and ship ports in 1824. The wooden structure had an outer core filling of chalk blocks within the timber piles and the inner core of the piles contained chalk rubble. Gravel was used to form a curved structure. The elongated structure was hidden underwater during times of high tide, thus gaining the nickname as ‘Jetty’. Over the years the timber structure injured violent storms during the winter and the teredo worm. Post 18 years the ‘Jetty’ was submerged to constant repairs to strengthen the weak structure.
Image 2. ‘The harbour and Jetty’ [1918 Image 3. ‘View on Jetty’ [1887]
The Harbour and Jetty
The Jetty was used as a transport link connecting visitors and their luggage down to the landside porters. In May 1853, engineer Eugenius Birch designed a new structure for the pier using screw piles, invented by engineer Alexandre Mitchell. Concrete groynes were introduced between 1954 and 1959 and were attached to the outer harbour as additional support. This was essential to the harbour post WWII. The southerly side of the pier was embedded with two courses of coping stones for which contained weep holes which would allow sea water to drain. Therefore the south facing structure has a smoother surface and is utilized for access to side pier structures and moorings.
Image 4. ‘The Jetty’ [1950] Image 5. ‘View on Jetty’ [1960]
The Jetty
The concept of bathing machines was perfected by Benjamin Beale. The pre-existing bathing machine was inspired ‘by Dr Richard Russell’s Dissertation of 1752’ who was a founder of sea-bathing in hospitals. The bathing machines were for the upper class, and were located nearest to the tide, in form of carriages. ‘Mixed bathing’ was only accepted by Thanet Council around 1906/8, before the approval the sexes had to be divided by 50 yards. This was enforced by policemen circulating the area on horses. The machines were finally abolished in 1919 by the council. According to Kay, A. and Flith, F. the ‘original bathing machines had a canvas hood’ [1998:18-19], which was invented by Benjamin Beale in 1753. Although the bathing machines did not shield one’s modesty, in terms of providing costumes the canvas hoods were still highly expected. Pre-WWI the bathing machines were manoeuvred across the beach with a man guiding the horses on a cart, which was referred to as ‘a wooden house on wheels’ [1998:25]
Image 6. ‘Bathing Machines’ [186080] Image 7. ‘The sands’, painting [186080]
Bathing Machines Purifying the body
Lidos as known as bathing pools were constructed between 1824 and 1828 by John Boys. The lido involved excavating the chalk cliffs. A large arch was created at sea level and buildings surrounding the area. A tunnel was also excavated which connected to the lower reservoir for which was used by women and children as a plunge pool. Bathing wings were created using a horse pump connecting from the sea water via the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, to provide hot bathes for the public. Lidos were later demolished. Open air bathing pools and Sun deck with bathing cabins jutting out into the sea also known as Lidos were later introduced in 1926, Clintonville, Westgate, but 60 years of storm damage forced the closure of the pools.
Image 8. English Heritage [2008] ‘Remains of the Clifton Baths at Clifton Ville Lido Image 9. ‘Open air baths’ [1860-80]
Lidos & Open Air Baths
Nature’s Pools
In 1796, the Royal Sea bathing hospital founded by Dr Lettsom was open. From 1740s onwards Dr. Richard Russell, who would practise medicine in Brighton, advised citizens living in Margate of the long-term benefits of sea bathing, particularly in winter. Sea bathing and drinking sea water for various illness’ was highly recommended by the doctor. The increased benefits of the activity saw the popularity of sea bathing amongst the locals and visitors rapidly increase in numbers. However, it seemed that the growth of seaside resorts in the mid18th century in relation to the health industry had a detrimental effect on inland spas. Bathing machines were used to maintain a level of modesty amongst the sea-bather’. Visitors were often sent from London to the sea bathing spas in Margate. Margate and Scarborough were the only towns at the time to have sea bathing facilities.
Image 10. Dr, R. Russells [1753] ‘A Dissertation on the use of Sea- water in the of the Glands’ Image 11. ‘Royal Sea bathing/ Patients on Veranda 2’ [1907]
The History of Sea-Bathing Bathing: A Revolution
Donkeys formed a part of the beach’s entertainment, visitors and locals would arrive in their best attire, most of which if not all upper class. The activity at the time was too expensive for locals or visitors or a lower class. Donkey rides was a local event, people would gaze from the promenade, in amazement. The lifestyle, however of a donkey, was anything but pleasant; they ate and lived rough but were incredibly obedient. This lifestyle is said to be mirrored in the life’s of the working class in the 19th century.
Image 12. ‘Donkeys on the sands’
Entertainment Upper class donkey rides
The Margate Coastal scheme was created collectively by Thanet District Council, coastal engineers and engineers based in Canterbury. The new wide steps, situated in the old kings step area will effectively reduce the chances of flooding to the town by breaking down the force of the waves in situations of severe weather. The Coastal scheme comprises of four steps; Strengthening of the Stone Pier, which will protect the foundations of the stone structure using steel sheet piles and using cement grout to reinforce the rigid chalk core of the Stone Pier. Reconstructing the sea wall, this is essentially a long term solution. The reconstruction of the North Sea wall (the parade) The new proposed stairs to the sea, as a flood defence has been highly criticized by historian Suzannah Foad for destroying an area of historical interest. She explains in an article, the origin of the step’s name. The title of King’s steps was awarded to the area for its ‘part in allowing royalty to board their ships’. However, historic king’s steps in question were a replacement of an original staircase, which was situated on the landward side of the parade, before the re-building of the existing sea wall and Marine Drive.
Image 13. J. Asea [Sept 2013] ‘New stairs, sea defence’ [24 Sept 2013]
Regeneration Protecting The Sea
A New stepped structure from the beach to the promenade. This is a significant component of the new scheme. Similarly with the sea wall, this flood defence is designed last for the next 50 years’ worth of storms. According to BBC, Thanet council in Margate are evaluating beach’s sea defence crisis and estimates the ‘potential cost of flooding ‘to be approximately £65m. Over 470 properties in the area have been assessed to potentially be at risk of coastal flooding. The first initial sea wall was constructed near the new turner contemporary gallery. In addition to the construction of the sea wall, wide steps have been built from the beach. The new plans for the redevelopment of the pre-existing Lido in Cliftonville, proposes a luxury spa hotel, leisure complex and sea front housing. The proposed plans is said to cost £20m. Thanet Council are liaising closely with Welling- based architects and Sussex Property Development in a three-phase scheme. The three-phase scheme aims to provide 90s homes and successfully re-establish Margate as sea-side resort. Construction Company WW Martin has confirmed a new contract award for the charlotte Ct, Royal Sea Bathing Hospital, Margate. The objective is to finish the existing construction and create multiple apartments. The project is estimated to cost £4.5m and will begin March 2013.
Image 14. ‘Plans on show for £20m Lido development in Cliftonville’
Regeneration
Margate Lido Re-development
Bibliography p1 Image 1. ‘Margate sea wall’ [1860s-1880s] Margate Public Library Collection G.E Clarke, [1957] Historic Margate: Margate Public Libraries, Defence against the sea) p2 Image 2. ‘The harbour and Jetty’ [1918] Margate Public Library Collection Image 3. ‘View on Jetty’ [1887] Margate Public Library Collection Kay, A. and Flith, F.[Published in 1998] ‘Margate a photographic history of your town’, Margate public library collection p3 Image 4. ‘The Jetty’ [1950] Margate Public Library Collection Image 5. ‘View on Jetty’ [1960] Margate Public Library Collection Kay, A. and Flith, F.[Published in 1998] ‘Margate a photographic history of your town’, Margate public library collection p4 Image 6. ‘Bathing Machines’ [1860-80] Margate Public Library Collection Image 7. ‘The sands’, painting [1860-80] Margate Public Library Collection Kay, A. and Flith, F.[Published in 1998] ‘Margate a photographic history of your town’, Margate public library collection p5 Image 8. English Heritage [2008] ‘Remains of the Clifton Baths at Clifton Ville Lido, Thanet’ available [online] http://www. britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-503234-remains-of-the-clifton-baths-at-cliftonv [1 Oct 2013] Image 9. ‘Open air baths’ [1860-80] Margate Public Library Collection, pg. 22-23 Kay, A. and Flith, F.[Published in 1998] ‘Margate a photographic history of your town’, Margate public library collection p6 Image 10. Dr, R. Russells [1753] ‘A Dissertation on the use of Sea- water in the of the Glands’. Available: [online] http:// austenonly.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/dr-russell.jpg [1 Oct 2013] Image 11. ‘Royal Sea bathing/ Patients on Veranda 2’ [1907]. Available: [online ] http://www.margatelocalhistory.co.uk/HotSpotViewer/OS_1907_Pics/Royal%20Sea%20Bathing%20Infirmary.html [1 Oct 2013] Feltham, J. [1803] ‘Lyme Regis from a guide to all the watering and Sea-bathing places etc. available [online] http://austenonly.com/tag/sea-side-resorts/ [30 Sept 2013] Kay, A. and Flith, F.[Published in 1998] ‘Margate a photographic history of your town’, Margate public library collection p7 Image 12. ‘Donkeys on the sands’ [1906] Margate Public Library Collection Kay, A. and Flith, F.[Published in 1998] ‘Margate a photographic history of your town’, Margate public library collection p8 Image 13. J. Asea [Sept 2013] ‘New stairs, sea defence’ [24 Sept 2013] ‘The Main Pier’ [online] avaliable: http://www.margatehandbook.co.uk/?page=articles&article=30 [30 Sept 2013] ‘Margate Coastal Scheme’, [online] available: http://www.se-coastalgroup.org.uk/margate-coastal-scheme/ [30 Sept 2013] p9 Image 14. ‘Plans on show for £20m Lido development in Cliftonville’ [July 2012] [online] available: http://www.thisiskent. co.uk/Plans-20m-Lido-development-Cliftonville/story-16568737-detail/story.html#axzz2gSfAWkOv [30 Sept 2013] Foad, S. [2012] ‘Laments as historic King’s steps demolished in Margate flood scheme’, [online] available: http://www. thisiskent.co.uk/Laments-historic-King-s-Steps-demolished-Margate/story-15028347-detail/story.html#axzz2gSfAWkOv [30 Sept 2013] ‘Environment Agency £6m flood defences protect Margate’, [2011] BBC News Kent [online] Available: http://www.bbc. co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-148271337 [30 Sept 2013] [2012] ‘Plans on show for £20m Lido development in Cliftonville’ [online] Available: http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Plans-20m-Lido-development-Cliftonville/story-16568737-detail/story.html#axzz2gSfAWkOv [1 Oct 2013] [2013] ‘New contract Award- Charlotte Ct, Royal Sea Bathing Hospital, Margate’ [online] available: http://www.wwmartin. co.uk/news-article.php?id=68 [30 Sept 2013]
Question 4
How does the town respond to the sea?
Margate Bay Beach is a lifeguarded beach where a course takes place to train up new lifeguards over the summer and autumn holidays. The Lifeboat discovery station opens the boathouse doors during summer months. Lifeboats launch frequently from the station. There is a surf academy on Margate bay where you can learn how to paddle board, surf and learn first aid. Often on Margate beach there are paddle boats you can hire and in the summer months rides on the beach. Whilst at Margate we noticed people walking, cycling, rolleblading and skateboarding along the promenade. People were also walking, sunbathing and sitting on the beach. A man was making sand art by using a broom to make patterns in the sand. The Turner contemporary was built to celebratethe painter JMW Turner’s links with Margate. The great seascape and landscape painter, started school in Margate in 1786 when he was 11. He found himself smitten by the sea, the sky and the quality of the light. He returned many times and later fell in love with his seaside landlady Mrs Booth. Her double-fronted home is long gone but the gallery on the same site will keep the memory of Turner’s connection with the north Kent coast alive. “We have a very direct link with Turner through the location,” said Victoria Pomery, director of Turner Contemporary. “The views from the gallery are the same views that Turner would have seen from his lodging house.”
The Sea And Margate
After conducting a survey where we asked 15 people in Margate where their favourite view was, the new King’s Steps proved the most popular location. Four people said their favourite place to take in the view was at this point. From this location you have a clear view of some of margates most iconic buildings such as the Droit House and The Turner Contemporary. There is also a view of the harbour and boats. The steps are located along the front of Marine Drive. The second most popular location to get a good view of Margate is from the Harbour opposite the steps. From this location you can still see the Droit House and Turner Contemporary as well as the high street, beach and coast line. The third most popular locations to see the sea from was Cliftonville near the Lido, Walpole Bay and the Turner Contemporary.
The Sea And Margate
Key Views In Margate
Nobody can explain who built this place, or why, but since its accidental discovery visitors from all over the world have been intrigued by the beautiful mosaic and the unsolved mystery. There are theories that the Shell Grotto could have been a meeting place for a secret cult. The Grotto opened its doors to the public in 1838, it had never been marked on any map and there had been no tales of its construction told around the town. 99% of the shells are native to the British Isles and most of those could be found on Margate beach. There are mussels, whelks, oysters, cockles, limpits, razor shells, etc. There are some exotic shells, such as the queen conches from the Caribbean in the corners of the Altar Room. The Grotto has been in private hands since its discovery and remains so today. However, it was Grade 1 listed in 1973 so English Heritage watches over its preservation. The damp problem prompted English Heritage to enter it onto the Buildings at Risk register in the 1990s. The shells have turned a grey colour over time due to the rooms being lit mostly by gas lamps.
The Sea And Margate Key Building: Shell Grotto
Bibliography [P. Byrde, 2013.Call for a new generation of lifeguards to work on Kent’s beaches this summer. Margate Bay Beach, [online] Available at: http://rnli.org/ NewsCentre/Pages/Call-for-a-new-generation-of-lifeguards-to-work-on-Kentsbeaches-this-summer.aspx [Accessed 30/09/13]. [M Baker, Margate Lifeboat Station. Ready for anything, thanks to you, [online] Available at: web addresshttp://rnli.org/Pages/Default.aspx [Accessed 30/09/13]. [Kent Surf School and Watersports Centre [online] Available at: http://www. kentsurfschool.co.uk [Accessed 30/09/13]. [Explore Thanet: Margate Beach.Title [online] Available at: http://www.explorethanet.co.uk/beaches/margate-beach and http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/beaches-bays [Accessed 30/09/13]. [Sally Nancarrow. (2011). Margate’s Turner Contemporary art gallery set to open. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-13013824. [Accessed 31/09/13.] [2013]. About. Available: http://shellgrotto.co.uk/history/. Last accessed 02/10/13] Images Photography By Ellie Musgrove Photograph from Harbour looking towards Margate found on http://www.lighthousebar.co.uk/gallery/index.php/?page=2
Group C members: Eleanor Musgrove Xinzhou Jiang Jocelyn Asea Sara Ogbonna-Godfrey (BA) Interior Architecture and Design 2nd Year