The name of Sandwich probably came from the Saxon, meaning sandy place, or trading place on the sand. First mentioned in 664AD. It was probably founded before that in early Roman times. Sandwich being the place well known for famous landings over the millennia. The roman general Claudius was one such. Just up the road, is the famous Richborough Roman Fort. Many sailings went from there to the New world of America. The most famous being 'The Hercules', taking sixteen brave souls across the sea, where they settled. There are towns named after the original in Massachusetts, Illunois, and Ontario, Canada.
The town was a major trading port, during the 11th, through to the 13th Century. As such, was attacked by the French many times. Despite many heavy losses, the French were repulsed time, after time. Today, as it's still a market town, whilst the French no longer attack, but trade. There are annual French markets, and it's twinned with its major protagonist Hornfuer, in France. It being the biggest, and last of the attacks on this busy port. It needed its gates, and it's walls, for its own security. The gate still there, is a good example of the sophistication achieved in defences of its people.
The town is scattered with evidence of its long, and vital history. A fine 13/14 Century church, St. Peters, sits in the centre of town. Whilst the Tudor hotel, The Bell is situated towards the harbour. Across from there is the wonderful Barbican gate, of 1536, which is still part of the exit to the town. Beyond the gate, and over the river, is the old toll bridge, still in use today.
The historic Barbican gate
On the town side of this gate, are many fine houses, dating from the settling of the Flemmings here in the 1560's. These Flemish weavers made themselves an important part of the town, living in streets adjoining the harbour. Convenient for the shipping of their goods. The red bricks, used to build many houses from that period, were bought back in the empty ships as ballast, from the continent. So that full ships could be taken out again. The town being conveniently placed for reaching the Continent.
The street of the original Flemish weavers, all houses are in use still.
This smallish town, is surrounded by three, or four, lovely villages. All worth the time to explore. Today, the town has a pretty park, next to a historic, three and a half acres of cultivated gardens. The Salutarion Gardens, the finest example around. It boasts a tea room, and Bed, and. Breakfast, in huge main 1911/12 Manor house, and several cottages. There many public houses around the town, as all ports are renowned for, each offering something different, and simple in the culinary line. Of these, most are at least a couple of hundred years old. There are shops of every description, fitted in the most interesting, and historic buildings. A fine town hall, sits next to the market place, with a small cinema, and a railway station nearby.
The town holds a few good fairs during the Summer months, when stalls, and side shows throng the streets. Each one is well organised, and interesting. As with many medieval towns, the width of the streets presents a problem for modern traffic. However, as it's mostly one way, and only 20 miles an hour, there is still room to walk around the town, and explore. There is much to see. I have been there many times, and don't believe I have discovered more than half of it yet.
Do visit sandwich, it is quite unique. It is still possible to take a boat trip from there, out to sea, and go seal spotting for the afternoon. On your return, you can have some of the finest fish, and chips in the area, on the Quay side, next to The Bell. Or, in the Bell itself, you can dine well, in pleasant surroundings, sometimes by an open fire. Very welcome in the winter months I can assure you.
Sandwich, awaits you, comes see some true, living history. As you can do in few other places.
www.visitsandwich.co.uk/
www.sandwich.stulight.co.uk/
www.secretgardenofsandwich.co.uk/
No comments:
Post a Comment