Title:

Ramsgate Harbour

Price:

£50.00

Overview

Ramsgate Royal Harbour is the only harbour in the United Kingdom to carry a "Royal" designation, a title bestowed by King George IV in 1821 in gratitude for the town's hospitality. Construction began in 1748 following a severe storm, intended to provide a safe "harbour of refuge" for ships in the English Channel. It was engineered by figures such as John Smeaton and John Rennie, who implemented innovative designs like the inner basin and the unique "Ramsgate Meridian," which sits 5 minutes and 41 seconds ahead of GMT. The harbour’s history is deeply military, serving as a primary embarkation point during the Napoleonic Wars and as a critical base during both World Wars. Its most famous hour came in 1940 during Operation Dynamo, when Ramsgate acted as a central hub for the "Little Ships" that rescued Allied troops from Dunkirk. Throughout 2026, the harbour continues to honor this legacy, with maritime events planned to mark the 86th anniversary of the evacuation this May. As of January 2026, the harbour is a thriving Heritage Harbour featuring a mix of commercial fishing, wind farm support, and a 700-berth marina. The historic Clock House, which houses the Maritime Museum, is undergoing preparations to reopen later in 2026. Visitors this year can also look forward to Ramsgate Week 2026, the town's premier regatta, which is scheduled to run from July 19–24, 2026.

Tags:

Harbour, Historic, royal, maritime, seaside, Kent, South East, England

Creator (Verified):

@Merlin-Capture