A guide to the watering places; with illustrations / By Alfred Crowquill [i.e. A.H. Forrester].

  • Forrester, Alfred Henry, 1804-1872.
Date:
[1845?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A guide to the watering places; with illustrations / By Alfred Crowquill [i.e. A.H. Forrester]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    47/96 (page 19)
    Portland and Purbeck stone ; and was finished at the expense of more than half a million of money. The principal head extends nearly 800 feet into the sea, and then forms its first angle; is twenty-six feet broad at the top, including the parapet; and increases in depth from eighteen to thirty-six feet. The building forms a polygon, of which the east is about 2000 and the west head 1000 feet long, which are left 200 feet asunder for an entrance into the harbour. There are five angles on each side, and the two elevations are respectively terminated by an octagon sixty feet long. A cross-wall 1400 feet long, with sluices and flood-gates, sepa- rates the area, enclosed by this important work, and comprising a space of more than forty-six acres, forming an outer harbour and an inner basin; for, when the pier was on the very eve of completion, it was discovered that the sand accumulated so rapid- ly within the area as to threaten to render it useless, and to leave it a mere dry mound. In this dilemma the celebrated Engineer, Mr. Smeaton, was consulted, and by his direction this cross-wall was erected; effecting all that was required, and facilitating the en- trance of ships in hard gales of wind; for whose reception and safety, on this exposed coast, the whole was originally undertaken. Having already described the vast length and breadth of the pier, it is almost necessary to observe that it forms the favourite promenade of the visitors; and certainly none can be more de- lightful or salubrious. It commands views of the Downs, the coast of France, the towns of Deal and Sandwich, and many of the hills and fertile vallies of East Kent; while the sea breezes are as well enjoyed as though in a sailing vessel. The Light House is a handsome structure, and stands on the west head near the mouth of the harbour. c 2