CXLII. London to Harwich through Chelmsford and Colchester CXLIII. London to Southend through Barking, Rainham, Stanford- Canterbury is pleasantly situated on the Stour. It is the metropolitan see of all England. The chief object of attraction is the magnificent cathedral, with a fine choir, an altar-piece, designed by Sir James Burrough, a remarkable painted window, and the shrine of Thomas a Becket. It was begun in 1174, and not finished till the reign of Henry V. Under the cathedral is a church for French Protestants, a colony of whom settled here after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, and established the silk manufacture, which still continues, though in a declining state. The chief trade consists in corn and hops. Besides the cathedral there are fourteen churches. It returns two members to Parliament. Population in 1841, 15,435. A railroad leads from Canterbury to Whitstable. Four miles from Canterbury, at a place called Boughton-under-Blean, the maniac Thom, in May 1838, excited the insurrection in which he lost his life. A road leads from Canterbury to Margate, which is 16 miles distant. Margate, which was originally a fishing village, has now become one of the most frequented watering-places in the kingdom. During the season, which continues from June to October, steam-vessels sail every day between London and this place, and perform the voyage in from six to seven hours. An excursion is often made from Margate to the Reculvers or Two Sisters, the remains of a church situated on the edge of a cliff, about nine miles from Margate, and kept in repair by the corporation of Trinity House, for the benefit of navigation. On the road to Margate, at a place called Savre, 8 miles from Canterbury, a road leads off to Ramsgate, distant from Canterbury about 17 miles. Ramsgate has of late years become greatly frequented as a place for sea-bathing. The pier, which cost several hundred thousand pounds, extends 1580 feet into the sea, and is built of fine Portland and Purbeck stone. The harbour is capable of admitting vessels of 500 tons. A road also leads from Canterbury to Sandwich and Deal. At the distance of 3 miles it passes Littlebourne, near which, on the right, is Lee Priory, T. B. Barret, Esq. Three miles farther on is Wingham, and near it, on the right, is Dean Park, E. Rice, Esq. A little farther in the same direction is Goodneston, Sir B. W. Bridges, Bart. Three miles and a quarter from Wingham is Ash; and three miles farther the town of Sandwich. This was formerly a place of some importance, but its harbour has long been choked up with sand. It is a Cinque Port, and contains 2913 inhabitants. About 5 miles from Sandwich is Deal, also one of the Cinque Ports, and situated near the Downs, which extend about 8 miles in length, and 6 in breadth, between this place and the Goodwin Sands. Deal is the general rendezvous of the East India and other fleets, where nearly 400 sail have been at anchor together. Here is an establishment of pilots, for the more safe conveyance of shipping into and out of the Downs, and up the rivers Thames and Medway. Deal is defended by a castle, and along the coast are several martello towers. Between this place and Sandwich is Sandown Castle, built by Henry VIII., and about a mile from the town, on the other side, is Walmer Castle, held by the Duke of Wellington, as Warden of the Cinque Ports. Dover is surrounded by a semicircle of hills, on one of which, towards the south, is a modern fortification, and on another to the north, the ancient castle. The latter is of great antiquity. The harbour has been formed by means of great labour and expense. As Dover is the principal place by which communication with the continent is kept up, it contains numerous inns and hotels, and the trade of the town arises in a great measure from casual visitors and travellers. Dover is one of the Cinque Ports. It returns two Members to Parliament. Population 13,872. About half a mile south-west of Dover is the famous height designated Shakspeare's Cliff. From the pier at Dover to that at Calais is 24 miles. ON RIGHT FROM LOND. II. LONDON.-MAIDSTONE.-HYTHE AND FOLKSTONE, 692 Miles. Lewisham, a very popu- 64 lous village, extending near a mile on road to Bromley, 5 miles distant. 64 Lewisham. cr. river Ravens bourn. The Manor House, F. Perkins, Esq. Lee Grove T. Brandram, 5 Esq. |