Literary Trails
Deal
Over the years, travellers passing through Deal have left us with their observations on the seaside town.
In 1697, Celia Fiennes noted 'the buildings new and neate brickwork with gardens', asserting that 'they are most masters of shipps houses and seamen or else those that belong to the Cordage and saile makeing.' To her, Deal seemed 'a good thriveing place.' (THROUGH ENGLAND ON A SIDE-SADDLE)
By the 1820's, William Cobbett found Deal to be 'a most villanous place.' But he was clearly prejudiced, confessing, 'I was glad to hurry along through it, and to leave its inns and public-houses to be occupied by the tarred, and trowsered, and blue-and-buff crew whose very vicinage I always detest.' (RURAL RIDES)
Even in 1982, Paul Theroux could still see evidence of those who earned their living from the sea in this 'small mild town.' 'The seafront was just rope and hauled-up fishing dinghies, and the wind was blowing along the stony shingly shore.' (THE KINGDOM BY THE SEA)
THE DOWNS
The Downs was once a place of safe anchorage for ships awaiting orders - or a favourable wind. Jane Austen's brother, Charles, was a sailor and his sister mentions in one of her letters that he was joining his ship at Deal, where it was anchored in the Downs.
21st January 1799
Charles leaves us tonight. The 'Tamar' is in the Downs, and Mr Daysh advises him to join her there directly.... He will proceed in one of the night coaches to Deal.
DUKE STREET
In the early 19th century, balls were held at the Assembly Rooms, which stood on the corner of Duke Street. While staying at Goodnestone Farm in 1805, Jane Austen refers to 'the ball at Deal on Friday' when writing to her sister, Cassandra. (Letters, 27th August 1805)
QUEEN STREET
While staying at his weekend home in St Margaret's Bay, Noel Coward came into Deal to shop and visit one of the town's cinemas. (The cinemas were located in Queen Street, King Street and Seafront). He records a miserable evening spent watching the film version of his play, Bitter Sweet, on 1st July 1946, declaring it to be 'a nauseating hotchpotch of vulgarity, false values, seedy dialogue, stale sentiment, vile performance and abominable direction.' (DIARIES)
