On the Isle of Thanet in east Kent is the seaside town of Ramsgate. Ramsgate started its simple life as a farming and fishing hamlet. This is the port where Christian missionary S. Augustine landed in 597 to help reestablish the link between the Roman Church and the Church of England. The town was settled prior to 1225 which is the town first started being referred to as Remmesgate, being changed again over a hundred years later in 1357 to Ramesgate. It rose in popularity as a seaside resort in the 19th Century.
It is a seaside resort so the first place many people head is to the sand and surf. The Ramsgate's main attraction is the Ramsgate Main Sands. This beach has been the awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award in 2008. You can ensure that they do their best to have the cleanest sands, and safest water possible so that you don't have to worry about your safety. Spend time on the sandy shores, soak up the rays or watch the kids build sand castles. Then take a dip in the sea that is stretching out in front of you.
Once you've had your fill of the surf and sand it's time to take in a few of the sights around town. One of the best places to start is the Minster Abbey. This abbey, which is available to visitors by tour appointment only, is home to the Benedictine Nuns of St Mildred's Priory. The Abbey is located only a few miles of Ebbsflee, which is the locations where St Augustine landed in 597 to begin his evangelization to the Anglo-Saxon people. It wasn't until the 7th Century that the abbey came into existence. It was built by the great-granddaughter of KIing Ethelbert. The great-granddaughter, now known as Domneva, became the first Abbess and it has been home to nuns ever since. Send a letter ahead of time to schedule your tour and enjoy the interesting history of this great house of prayer and worship.
Another interesting sight to see is the Maritime Museum. Located at Ramsgate Harbour inside the Clock House this museum tells the history of Ramsgate maritime. Travel through the four galleries that outline the history of the area. See permanent exhibits that cover the harbor, navigation, lifeboats and shipwrecks and even the fishing history of the town. There is a fifth exhibit area that houses temporary exhibits. There a lot to see and learn about during your visit.
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