Fake history of Thanet and fake historical pictures of Thanet.

I think the first three pictures were once in Ramsgate library and probably destroyed in the fire. All state they were painted by Kennett Beacham Martin and all dated 1821.

The boat in the first picture, left foreground with something like a tent on top, is very similar to ones shown in maritime paintings from the 1500s. I think the background shape of Ramsgate is taken from the print of 1790. The shape of Ramsgate Harbour seems to be based on Lewis's map from the early 1700s. 

In fact the artist made the whole thing up.

The second picture shows what looks like a cog - a type of vessel that was widely used in the middle ages and first appeared in the 10th century. So he made this picture up too.

The third picture seems to be loosely based on the Benjamin West painting of 1788  (sixth picture). The odd thing about this one is that there is no harbour wall, something that certainly there in 1821 so I think we can conclude that he made this one up too.

The fourth picture is a heavily doctored photo of Margate Harbour showing the proposed new Turner Centre. This is a fake picture with a purpose, something we can all understand 

The fifth picture is a totally fake AI generated picture of what is supposed to be Ramsgate town and Harbour in 1723. 

This has been posted by Radford House as an historic discovery found during the renovation of the building. They posted this on Facebook and Instagram and of course it has been reposted as an historic discovery. Note Facebook should flag these picture when it is working ok.

Radford house was bought by Ramsgate town council and the Radford House project is totally funded by Ramsgate town council. That is council tax and various grants and gifts made to the town council.

I guess like everyone else I have been impacted by fake news in recent years but I truly resent being impacted by fake Thanet local history especially when it's paid for on the rates. Here at Michael’s Bookshop in Ramsgate I put a lot of effort into making the Thanet local history I produce accurate

The following is the text that they posted with the picture. (I have written fake across it to try and reduce any reposting of misinformation.) 

“Uncovering the History of Radford House 

Working on a beautiful historic building is a Project Manager's dream. Being part of a project that will create a vibrant community hub, support local groups, budding artists, entrepreneurs, and the wider community, while also preserving the building's rich history, is a real career highlight.

As we've begun renovations, we've uncovered some fascinating items, hidden treasures, and unique building features. Rather than sharing everything at once, we'll be revealing our discoveries over the coming months, alongside the history of 18-20 Effingham Street.

We'd love for you to join us on this journey. Do you have any memories of the building, interesting facts, old photographs, or stories to share? We'd love to hear them!

 Calling all Ramsgate residents, local historians, and curious minds... let's uncover the story of Radford House together.

This Week's Discovery: A View of the Town and Harbour, 1723

Radford House was built between 1715 and 1723. Here is an early view of Ramsgate from 1723. Could one of those buildings be Radford House? We can't say for certain, but it's an exciting place to start.

So, what did Ramsgate look like in 1723?

Take a look at the picture and let us know what stands out to you…”

Old Photos of Ramsgate

 The first picture is the aerial view of Ramsgate date wise it's before the cliff collapse in front of the Grange that happened on the 7th of march 1947 and after the building of Westcliff Hall the second picture, in about 1914. Can you do better?

The black and white one of Ramsgate sands opposite Augusta stairs, looks to be 1940s or 50s from the clothes.

The third picture, the coloured one looks to be 1970s or possibly 80s. 

Sorry for any grammatical errors and spelling errors, Michael's Bookshop where I work in Ramsgate it's very busy today, so basically I have just read the post into Google keyboard which tends to be a bit American. 

Bookshops and Broadstairs

 

Bookshops and Broadstairs for as long as I can remember the main new bookshop in Thanet was Albion Bookshop in Broadstairs, this has been followed by a period of time recently when Broadstairs had no bookshop at all. Now Writer, Director, and Filmmaker Gavin Boyter has opened a new bookshop called “The Best of Times Bookshop and Cafe" at 1 Chandos Rd, Broadstairs CT10 1QP. As I expect most people will know I run Michael's Bookshop in Ramsgate which is the largest bookshop in Thanet but is primarily a secondhand bookshop. The Best of Times is primarily a new bookshop, that is one that sells new books.

I'm strongly recommending a visit to this bookshop. It has a good general and literary fiction paperback section. Places to sit down and browse, get coffee, a cool basement room, everything the reader in Broadstairs would want.

Marks and Spencer Ramsgate and ramble

 I think it was 2005 that Marks and Spencer closed in Ramsgate, correct me if I’m wrong. Pictures of Marks and Spencer are quite hard to find with both of these pictures I'm fairly certain that they are Ramsgate. I used to use Marks and Spencer a lot when I first opened Michael’s Bookshop here in Ramsgate in 1987. So I think the timing of the closure is about right. I also remember that its closure had a big impact on Ramsgate as a town center. I'm sorry I haven't got any relatively modern pictures, it's surprising how often you don't rush out and photograph Marks and Spencers.

I now have exact dates, first picture 25 High Street Ramsgate.

Marks & Spencer 1913 - 1931. Penny Bazaar second picture Marks and Spencer.

41 - 45 High Street. Opened 13th March 1931 - Closed 3rd March 1990.

Two pictures of the staff when it closed

Staff doing the cancan for an event for M&S 1950s

I went sketching and book buying in Canterbury yesterday. If you are unfamiliar with Canterbury that is a garden inside the cathedral precincts between the main entrance and the toilets that it's a good place to relax. It is possible to order drinks and food that is delivered to your table by going up the steps in the garden and then down the steps in the hotel. See photos below.