insideKENT Magazine Issue 75 - June 2018 | Page 85

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on
WHITSTABLE
WHAT IS IT THAT FIRST COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF WHITSTABLE? IS IT THE
GORGEOUS KENT COAST? QUIRKY LITTLE STREETS FILLED WITH UNIQUE BOUTIQUES?
OYSTERS? ALL OF THE ABOVE? IF SO, YOU’D BE RIGHT, AND THERE IS MUCH MORE
BESIDES. IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN, IT’S TIME TO GO – YOU’LL LOVE THE TOWN AT FIRST
SIGHT. IF YOU KNOW IT WELL, VISIT AGAIN; IT’S THE KIND OF PLACE THAT IS ALWAYS
CHANGING. AND IF YOU LIVE OR WORK THERE, YOU’RE VERY LUCKY INDEED.
HISTORY IN BRIEF THINGS TO DO
The Romans loved the area around and including what is now Whitstable
just as much as the locals (and those further afield) love it today. They
particularly loved the fact that there was an abundance of oysters just
off the coast, and they began to set up businesses that revolved around
harvesting these delicacies and selling them all around the country. Whitstable Castle & Gardens
Whitstable Castle, also known as
Tankerton Towers, is a stunning
place. The castle itself is
impressive, but it is perhaps the
gardens that are the most
famously enjoyed part of the
place. This, along with a lovely
tea room (serving afternoon tea),
a play area and events throughout
the year make this attraction one
not to be missed.
Whitstable was known as Witenstaple when it was recorded in the
Domesday Book in 1086, and the name simply referred to a landmark
– a white post – which was used to offer directions to travellers who
were passing through. But, those oysters were still making a mark and,
thanks to more ‘modern’ methods of harvesting them, the industry
continued to grow. By 1610, the name Whitstable had stuck and it was
the administrative centre for the whole area from Blean near Canterbury
to Seasalter.
The 18th century saw Whitstable at its peak and its exports were seriously
in demand. The place was so busy with traders that a special toll road
was built between Canterbury and Whitstable to try to ease the
congestion in the town and make things move rather more smoothly.
Wondering what all the fuss was about, tourists starting following the
road and soon enough, Whitstable had become a popular seaside
holiday destination too.
Whitstable Museum & Gallery
The Whitstable Museum & Gallery
is a fascinating glimpse of
Whitstable past, present and
future – with special details
available about the town’s
maritime history. Here you can
see exhibitions about how
Whitstable grew into the town it
is today, including information
about the seaside holidays, the
oyster fishing industry,
shipbuilding, the steam railway
and the memorial to local
resident Peter Cushing. There is
even a fire engine to clamber
around on and the chance to
hunt for fossilised shark teeth.
The Horsebridge Arts &
Community Centre
This fantastic site is located right
in the centre of Whitstable and it
offers a varied programme of
cultural and community activities
and events. For more than 10
years it has been a hub of
entertainment and information,
becoming known as a quality
venue for the arts, social, learning
and leisure. Events include
galleries, workshops, talks, live
music, screenings, a theatre
space and a popular café.
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