Welcome to Ramsgate

Ramsgate is located on the south-east coast of England overlooking the English Channel, in the county of Kent, approximately 77 miles east of London and 4 miles south of Margate.

The town has a population of around 38,700. Administratively it is within the local government district of Thanet which covers an area of approximately 103 sq kms and which has a population of around 128,000.

With fine sandy beaches sheltered by chalk cliffs it became fashionable as a holiday resort during the 19th-century, following a visit by King George IV, and remains very popular today. The architecture is predominantly Victorian although notable earlier buildings include the partly Norman Church of St.Lawrence. There are good shopping and visitor facilities and numerous attractions in the vicinity.

It was at Ramsgate that Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, landed in AD 596 bringing Christianity to Britain. Originally a fishing and farming hamlet, Ramsgate became, during the 19th century, one of the great English seaside towns. Ramsgate Harbour is unique in being awarded the title Royal Harbour following a visit by King George IV in 1921. It is now one of the largest and busiest marinas on the south coast. Ramsgate is also a member of the ancient Confederation of Cinque Ports.

Economically, the service industry, is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 66% of all workers. Today the main industries are tourism, fishing, and light industries.

The name Ramsgate derives from "Hraefn's ate", or 'cliff gap'. Over time the name has been recorded as 'Ramisgate' or 'Remmesgate' around 1225, and 'Ramesgate' from 1357.