Heritage

Deal's Maritime Connections

"Deal is pre-eminently surf created town and having once surveyed it the beholder must not expect ever to see anything like it again". So wrote the author William Clark Russell, an authority on ships and the sea, who for some time resided in North Deal. His father (Henry Russell) composed "A Life on the Ocean Wave"– the regimental march of the Royal Marines.

The King's Naval Yard at Deal

Newcomers to Deal are captivated by its past, especially that relating to the old Naval Yard which served the Fleet in the Downs (the anchorage between Deal Beach and the Goodwin Sands). Originally victualling was provided from Deal Castle and long before that by the locals of Deal. In the mid 17th century a storehouse was erected near the castle and from this the Naval Yard grew and expanded under an appointed Storekeeper. Supplies including rigging, masts, pitch, planks and anchors. These were taken out to ships by boats carrying up to 5 tons of stores, completing four round trips in 24 hours. Half this time was, of necessity, taken in hauling up the boats to be reloaded and launched again.

Naval Yard at Deal

A Port without a Harbour

Deal had no harbour, but is recorded as being the third busiest Port in England. Wars with France caused an increase in the size of the Yard. Eight capstans and slipways (some double) allowed boats to be hauled in for repairs and refitting. Repair facilities included sawpits, a smith's shop, boat building house and sail loft. Here Nelson visited when 12 to 14 flat-bottomed boats were being built for his attack on Napoleon's flotilla off Boulogne in 1801.

Nelson

The victualling yard, which was separate, contained a seasoning house, wash house and cooper's shop. Beer was provided from the Yard's brewhouse and ship's biscuits from its bakery.

Three entrances allowed access to the Navy Yard which was protected on the shore sides by a high wall. A Semaphore Tower was built at the main entrance and this building later became used as the Royal Signal Time-ball Tower. This Tower remains today and is the last reminder of the Navy Yard.

Sale of the Naval Yard

In July 1864 the Deal Naval Yard, covering almost 5 acres of land, was auctioned in London 'By Order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty'. The Conservative Land Society purchased the site for £13,000. This area extended from Deal Castle to what is now South Street and down to Victoria Road. It was then named the 'Victoria Town Estate'.

Summer Visitors

Prince of Wales' Terrace was built on the west side of the old Naval Promenade which is now named Victoria Parade. Most of these properties catered for summer visitors in the age of Edwardian elegance.

Few modern holiday resorts have the historical glamour that pertains to Deal. It somehow grips the imagination of visitors who, after returning for holidays, often decide to settle in the town which is historically the most interesting area of the English coastline, bearing in mind its proximity to France.

Conservation

Deal today is a fascinating mixture of old and new. Its special architectural character received early recognition when the Middle Street Conservation Area was the first to be so designated in Kent. (Civic Amenities Act, 1967). 'Dutch' gables – a feature of the early 18th century – are to be seen in and around this area. Very few streets are straight in their line and consequently one finds a unique variety of viewpoints, with contrast in period and materials giving changing light and shadow effects. All proves irresistible to those who practise painting as an art.

Courts and passageways, some with cobbled sections, are reminiscent of those seen on the Continent. Large houses, built for Pilots and those rich merchants who once thrived on the requirements of sea and ship, stand close to cottages occupied by Deal boatmen.

Sea Angling

Fishing boats, pulled up on to the beach, have long been a distinctive part of the Deal scene and the names of local boatmen have become familiar to generations of returning visitors. These open boats are available for charter to angling parties.

The pier, with 1,000 foot stem was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1957 and is much favoured by anglers. Remarkable catches have been made from both pier and beach. Deal is, in fact, by far the best place for sea fishing within easy reach of London. Regular 'sport' commences in October when the advent of the famous Deal sprats, into shore waters, attracts large cod and whiting.

A one time Royal Navy whaler has found a suitable shore base at Deal's Museum of Maritime and Local History in St. George's Road. This was a gift from the Royal Marines, Honorary Freemen of the old Borough of Deal. For over a century the Royal Marines have been associated with Deal and the R.M. School of Music now constitutes a large part of the work at the Deal Depot. The standard of musical ability and ceremonials is highly regarded throughout the world.

Dress rehearsals for the Royal Tournament and other scheduled appearances of the Royal Marine Band may be seen by the public and during the autumn and winter concerts are given, in the R.M. Concert Hall, by the orchestra of the Royal Marines. Every ship on active service carries its contingent of marines.

Deal Coat of Arms

The town's mottos is ADJUVATE ADVENAS (Befriend the Stranger) and visitors to Deal will find a warm welcome.