Coast of Conflict looks principally at the south Kent coast from Napoleonic times until WW1. But our martial history stretches much further back.
Desribed by English Heritage as the most significant Roman site in Britain, Richborough Fort tells the story of the entire 500 years of Roman occupation.
When I retired last February, my colleagues gave me some wonderful farewell presents. These included a psychedelic deck chair.
To show that I have been using it, between the showers, here it is……
As a Car Seat
In the Hot Seat….
….and of special meaning to all at CPSD…
The Seat of my Pants (flying by)
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A month ago I was standing on Hythe beach with Helen Mark, presenter of Open Country on Radio 4. We were discussing the creation of the first Ordnance Survey map, published in 1801, and known as the Mudge Map. With the threat of invasion from France, and the beaches of Kent the most likely landing grounds, military planners need a decent map of the county to prepare the country’s defences.
I wonder if Napoleon managed to get his hands on a copy of the map?
The broadcast goes out at just after 06.00 on Saturday morning 6 August. If you are not a farmer or insomniac, it is repeated at 15.00 on Thursday 11 August and can be listened to again on Podcast.
Here’s the link to the BBC website
And a small selection of pics below.
This is an extract from a military map showing the start of Hythe Royal Military Canal, from just below Shorncliffe Camp and Redoubt.
As his flotilla of invasion craft takes shape, Napoleon casts a covetous eye across the Channel to Kent. So near, yet so far…
There is an Exhibition of the Unknown Warrior at The Grand on Folkestone’s Leas this month. Entry is free.
An evocative stained glass window is the centrepiece, with information provided on large panels, and a print of Lutyens’ original design for the Cenotaph.
The Exhibition is sponsored by The Grand and Step Short, Folkestone’s WW1 project to memorialise the Great War.
7th August 2011
There is great opportunity to see the Exhibition by coming along to the 3rd annual Step Short march. This has become increasingly popular and is attended by hundreds of people who participate in the march which follows in the footsteps of the millions of WW1 soldiers who left Folkestone Harbour for the Western Front. This year we will be joined by Veterans, military bands and The Gurkhas. Be part of this memorable event. Assemble at The Grand on The Leas before 10.30 am on Sunday 7 August 2011.
Go to the Step Short website for more info - click HERE