Thanet
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Thanet from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Thanet's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Dreamland Cinema
Margate
Dreamland Cinema in Margate, completed in 1935, is an exceptional early example of the influence of German cinema design in England, showcasing multiple architectural styles.
Royal Victoria Pavilion
Ramsgate
Seaside pavilion of 1903, by Stanley Davenport Adshead, originally incorporating a theatre and cafe, later converted to a casino and then to a public house in 2018.
Granville House (the former Granville Hotel)
Ramsgate
A terrace turned hotel built 1867-1869 to the designs of E W Pugin, with a series of later additions and alterations. Read the official list entry to find out more.
East Court
Ramsgate
A large villa designed by Ernest George and Harold Peto in 1889-1890 for Sir William Wills (later Lord Winterstoke). Read the official list entry to find out more.
Parish Church of St John the Baptist
Margate
A complex, multi-phase church. Part of the N aisle and the chancel arcades are mid C12, and the rest of the N aisle and the S aisle were added in the late C12 or early C13.
Winter Gardens
Margate
Winter gardens. Built in 1911 in a neo-Grecian style, designed by the Borough Surveyor, Mr E A Borg. 1930s additions. The amphitheatre was roofed over in the late-C20.
Group of five memorials to the Sanger family including 'L…
Margate
Group of five memorials. Late C19. Dedicated to members of the Sanger family, circus proprietors. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Aberdeen House, 68 Ellington Road
Ramsgate
A former school, now offices and Registry Office, designed by Alfred Robert Pite in 1881 for the Reverend George Simmers. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Terracing, balustrades and arcades to Royal Parade
Ramsgate
A piece of urban planning on three levels, providing an ascending roadway from Ramsgate harbour to Nelson Crescent.
The Brown Jug and attached boundary wall
Broadstairs and St. Peters
A former farm cottage and attached boundary wall, probably constructed in the C18 and in continuous use as a public house between 1795 and 2019.
St Mary's Chapel
Broadstairs and St. Peters
An early C19 former Congregational chapel on or adjoining the site of a medieval chantry chapel and incorporating re-sited elements of the chantry chapel.
Ramsgate Fire Station
Ramsgate
C18 house converted and extended in 1905 under the direction of Borough Engineer T G Taylor to serve as Ramsgate Fire Station. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Grotto
Margate
The Margate Grotto, discovered in 1835, features early 19th-century shell mosaics with motifs from various cultures, including Egyptian and Greek, displayed in unique underground passages.
World War II anti-tank pimples and cylinders and associat…
Cliffsend
Group of 61 anti-tank pimples, approximately 300 anti-tank cylinders and a Type 24 pillbox. Circa 1940. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Scenic Railway at Dreamland
Margate
Rollercoaster1919-1920, restored after fires in 1949 and 1957. As of 2010, awaiting restoration following a further fire in 2008. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Broadstairs War Memorial
Broadstairs and St. Peters
First World War memorial, 1923, with later additions. Read the official list entry to find out more.
1-12 West Cliff Arcade
Ramsgate
A row of shops, designed by WG Osborne for E Tapply and built in 1883. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Summerlands Lodge
Westgate-on-Sea
Former preparatory school for boys, 1906 in Wrenaissance style; extended 1960s or 70s (the extensions are not of special interest and are not included in the listing).
The Rooswijk
Kellet Gut, Goodwin Sands, off Deal, Kent
The remains of a Dutch East Indiaman which foundered towards the north-eastern end of the Kellet Gut, after grounding on the Goodwin Sands, in late 1739 / early 1740.
Adult Education Centre, formerly Thanet School of Art
Margate
Art college, built in 1931 in an austere Art Deco style by Major WH Robinson, Kent County Architect. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St George
Ramsgate
The Church of St George in Ramsgate, built between 1824-27 with later additions, features a mixture of Gothic styles and a prominent west tower used as a landmark.
Clarendon House Grammar School, groundskeepers' lodge, wa…
Ramsgate
Secondary school with perimeter walls, railings and groundskeepers' lodge built 1908-1909 to the designs of W H Robinson, architect to Kent Education Committee.
St Augustine's Abbey with perimeter wall
Ramsgate
Monastery complex, 1860-1 by EW Pugin, with additions of 1904 by PP Pugin, 1926 by CH Purcell and 1934-7 by CC Winmill. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Congregational Church (Now Mosque)
Margate
Congregational Church (now mosque), 1860 by Poulton and Woodman of Reading. Late C20 internal alterations, in particular to the interior. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Group of ring ditches 400yds (360m) NW of Great Brooks En…
Birchington
Round barrow cemeteries from the Bronze Age may contain unexcavated archaeological remains for further research on prehistoric occupation in Kent.
Former 'man of Kent' Temperance Hotel
Margate
Former coffee tavern, c1880 with some C20 alteration, now residential flats and a commercial unit. Architect unknown. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Sun shelter and rock gardens and pools, Winterstoke Gardens
Ramsgate
Landscaping of a municipal park on the cliff top to the east of Ramsgate, built 1920-1923 to the designs of Sir John Burnet and Partners and Pulham and Sons.
Cliff Lift
Margate
Cliff lift. Constructed for Margate Borough Council in 1934 in Art Deco style with Egyptian influences. Refurbished in the 1990s. Read the official list entry to find out more.
2, West Cliff Mansions
Ramsgate
House possibly originally a club. Circa 1884, architect not at present known.
Church of St Paul
Margate
Church, vicarage and boundary wall, 1873-4 by RK Blessley of Eastbourne. Tower added before 1897 possibly by Robert Wheeler of Tunbridge Wells. Vestry added in 1939 (not of special interest).
Remains of Menagerie Enclosures and Cages at Dreamland
Margate
Retaining wall and attached structures along the western perimeter of 'the Hall by the Sea' (later 'Dreamland') pleasure grounds. 1874, with later alterations.
Rock Gardens and Cascade, Madeira Walk
Ramsgate
Rock gardens and cascade designed in 1892-1893 by the Borough Engineer, W A McIntosh Valon with James Pulham and Son. Read the official list entry to find out more.
15 Harbour Street
Ramsgate
A modest, timber-framed house (now a shop), of two storeys over an unlit basement, probably constructed in the late C17. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Midland Bank, 1-3 High Street
Ramsgate
A former bank in the neoclassical style, built in 1921 for London Joint City and Midland Bank. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Synagogue and Adjacent Outbuilding
Ramsgate
The Synagogue in Ramsgate was designed by Jewish architect David Mocatta for Sir Moses Montefiore in 1831-3, featuring original stained glass and historical Montefiore family significance.
Albion Place Gardens
Ramsgate
Albion Place Gardens were developed in the late 18th century, notable for visits by Princess Victoria and Jane Austen. They feature Pulhamite rockwork and were replanted in 1984.
War memorial at St George's Church, Ramsgate
Ramsgate
First World War memorial with later additions for the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former stable block to north of East Court
Ramsgate
A former stable block (now workshops, storage and accommodation), designed by Ernest George and Harold Peto in 1889-1890 for Sir William Wills (later Lord Winterstoke).
Thanet through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Thanet changes over time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Thanet
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Margate
The Clock Tower, Margate, 1920
Margate
Dreamland amusement park, Margate, 1973
Ramsgate
The Granville Hotel, Victoria Gardens, Ramsgate, 1920
Ramsgate
The harbour and town, Ramsgate, 1969
Ramsgate
West Cliff, the Royal Esplanade, the Royal Harbour and the town, Ramsgate, 1931
Ramsgate
West Cliff and the residential area surrounding London Road, Ramsgate, 1947
North Foreland
North Foreland Lighthouse, North Foreland, 1920
North Foreland
North Foreland Lighthouse, North Foreland, 1954
Broadstairs
Viking Bay, Broadstairs, 1920
Broadstairs
The town and Viking Bay, Broadstairs, 1969
Thanet in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Thanet's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
The Old Post Office and Sarre House, seen from the west
Eric de Mare
Margate, Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1956
Exterior view of Cobb's Brewery on King Street in Margate showing a building behind the round brewhouse.
John Laing Collection
Thanet, Kent
Date created: 29 May 1954
Looking east across the Royal Harbour Marina, photographed during a Laing staff day trip to Ramsgate
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW IN THE TEA GARDENS
Charles George Harper Collection
Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the north-east of St Mary Magdalene's Church, with the village stocks in the foreground
Eric de Mare
Margate, Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1956
Exterior view of Cobb's Brewery on King Street in Margate with barrels in the foreground.
John Laing Collection
Ramsgate, Thanet, Kent
Date created: 29 May 1954
A family on the beach during a Laing staff trip to Ramsgate, with adults and children in deckchairs and playing in the sand, in front of the Ramsgate...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1905 - 1910
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS ALBION GARDENS
Charles George Harper Collection
St Nicholas At Wade, Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-east of St Nicholas' Church, with a woman and child in the foreground
Eric de Mare
Margate, Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1956
Exterior view of Cobb's Brewery on King Street in Margate showing a building with a cupola and a decorative datestone.
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW WITH BANDSTAND AND GARDENS IN FOREGROUND
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Ellington Park, Thanet, Kent
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING POOL AND RUSTIC BRIDGE
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Thanet.
10 Historic Sites to See in Margate
Mentions Dreamland Cinema, The Scenic Railway at Dreamland, The Grotto
Check out these must-see historic sites when visiting this famous Kent seaside town.
Women Architects Who Helped Shape England
Mentions Townley House Mansion
Women have always influenced domestic design but it wasn’t until 1898 that the first female architect was admitted to the Royal Institute of British...
Lifting the Curtain: Theatre Then and Now
Mentions Theatre Royal
British theatre originated in the medieval era, with a strongly religious influence.
5 Bingo Halls That Used to be Cinemas
Mentions Dreamland Cinema
The passing of the 1960 Gaming Act allowed Bingo to come to the rescue of some of the finest pre- and post-war buildings in England.
Ramsgate’s Historic Past in 10 Images
Mentions The Clock House, 24-33, Liverpool Lawn, Church of St Augustine of England (Roman Catholic) With Cloisters Attached
From quiet fishing village to prosperous port and popular seaside resort, here are some of Ramsgate’s architectural highlights.
A Brief Introduction to Jewish Cemeteries
Mentions Prayer hall and section of attached cemetery wall to Ramsgate Jewish Cemetery
Jewish burial grounds existed in Medieval England but were lost after the expulsion of the Jews in 1290.
Pubs, Parks and Pavilions: Victoria in Public Places
Mentions Royal Victoria Pavilion
Here are just some of the historic public places in England named after Queen Victoria.
Pass the Popcorn: A Brief Introduction to Cinemas
Mentions Dreamland Cinema
Here we take a quick look at how England's love for film inspired the construction of many glamorous and decorative cinemas.
What Is the Oldest Bungalow in England?
Mentions Fair Outlook
Single storey dwellings under the name ‘bungalow’ have been around since the mid-19th century.
7 of England’s Best Seaside Wonders
Mentions The Scenic Railway at Dreamland
Here are seven listed structures that sum up the English seaside experience.
7 Inspiring Writers’ Retreats
Mentions Nayland Rock promenade shelter
Many of our favourite author’s writing spots are protected.
Roman Richborough
Mentions Thanet
Recent work allows a new plan or Richborough Roman fort to be presented and contributes to understanding a site of international importance.
Margate's 1930s Former Tidal Swimming Pool Listed
Mentions Nayland Rock promenade shelter, Thanet
The former tidal pool at the west end of Margate Main Sands in Kent has been Grade II listed on the advice of Historic England.
Research Reports Roundup to February 2024
Mentions Thanet
A roundup of new additions to the Historic England Research Reports database and a longer term overview of industrial heritage reports.
Researching Ramsgate
Mentions Thanet
A historic area assessment of Ramsgate and new book supports decision-making on heritage-led regeneration in Ramsgate’s Heritage Action Zone.
Introduction to Issue 15
Mentions Thanet
Introducing highlights of research from the South East and South West regions and their adjacent waters, along with a national scope archive project.
Research Reports Roundup November 2022
Mentions Thanet
An overview of additions to the Historic England Research Reports database from January to November 2022.
Ramsgate Gains Two More Listed Buildings
Mentions Former Midland Bank, 1-3 High Street, 6 Harbour Street, Jacob's Ladder
The former HSBC Bank and Stanley’s Goldsmiths shop in Ramsgate town centre have been listed at Grade II.
Successful Heritage Regeneration Programme Has Revived Historic Towns Across England
Mentions Rock Gardens and Cascade, Madeira Walk
Historic England’s £6 million Heritage Action Zone scheme has unleashed the power of heritage to breathe new life into 10 historic towns.
Historic England Highlights Captivating Heritage Sites Listed in 2021
Mentions The Brown Jug and attached boundary wall
Highlights from over 400 historic places which have been added to or amended on the National Heritage List for England in 2021.
Historic England Launches New Virtual Dive Trail for 300-Year-Old Shipwreck
Mentions Thanet
Non-divers can explore the protected wreck site of Stirling Castle which sank off Goodwin Sands in Kent in the Great Storm of 1703.
New Book Celebrates the Story of Ramsgate’s Rich Maritime and Seaside Heritage
Mentions Thanet
Ramsgate: The Town and its Seaside Heritage charts its transformation from quiet fishing village to a prosperous port and popular seaside resort.
Ramsgate Historic Gems Gain Listed Status
Mentions Festival of Britain Fountain, Victoria Gardens Kiosk, Gateway to Barber's Almshouses
Places recognised as part of Ramsgate’s Heritage Action Zone
Thanet's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Synagogue, Honeysuckle Lane, Ramsgate, Kent
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The synagogue was founded and financed in 1831 by Sir Moses Montefiore, the great Jewish philanthropist, who is buried in the next door mausoleum.
Synagogue, Honeysuckle Lane, Ramsgate, Kent
Stone Pier, The Parade, Margate, Kent
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The pier was built in 1810 -15 and curves around the harbour. It is about 900 feet long, 60 feet wide and 26 feet high.
Stone Pier, The Parade, Margate, Kent
Ship at Broadstairs, Kent
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A small knot of children look on while a Thames sailing barge unloads cargo on Broadstairs beach.
Ship at Broadstairs, Kent
Royal Sea Bathing Hospital, Canterbury Road, Margate, Kent
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The former sea bathing hospital was founded in 1791 by Dr John Coakley Lettsom, a Quaker physician. It was for the scrofulous poor of London.
Royal Sea Bathing Hospital, Canterbury Road, Margate, Kent
Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The royal harbour was created between 1789 and 1837 after the original one had been destroyed in a storm. King George IVth gave it the name 'royal'.
Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent
Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The Inner Harbour in Ramsgate is packed with large moored sailing vessels. The harbour was constructed in circa 1750.
Ramsgate Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent
Odeon Cinema, King Street, Ramsgate, Kent
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
The cinema opened in 1936 as an Odeon, became part of Classic Cinemas in 1967, and had a bingo hall.
Odeon Cinema, King Street, Ramsgate, Kent
Obelisk, Ramsgate, Kent
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
A detailed view of the inscription on the Obelisk in Ramsgate dedicated to George IV for making Ramsgate a 'Royal' harbour after his visit here in...
Obelisk, Ramsgate, Kent
Discover more
Ready for more local heritage? Take a look at these other places nearby
