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.