Whitstable, Kent

Description
Whitstable, a small town and a parish in Kent. The town stands on the coast, with stations on the L.C. & D.R. and S.E.R., 59 miles from London, and 6 NNW of Canterbury. It has a post, money order, and telegraph office. Acreage, 3676; population of the civil parish, 4828; of the ecclesiastical, 4845. There is an urban district council of twelve members. The town is long and straggling, carries on a great oyster fishery and a considerable coal trade. The oyster fishery is under the control and management of the Incorporated Company of Dredgers, which numbers about 500 members who are admitted by right of inheritance. Tankerton Castle is a handsome structure of Kentish ragstone formerly standing in extensive grounds beautifully wooded, but which are now converted into a watering-place. The Whitstable Institute was established in 1864 for the promotion of literature, science, and art. There is a large coastguard station. Ancient remains are on a sea-bank in Tankerton Bay, and Roman pottery has been found in dredging for oysters. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Canterbury; net value, £300 with residence. Patron, the Archbishop. The Church of All Saints is a building in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles, and has been thoroughly restored at considerable cost. A handsome memorial pulpit has been placed in the church. There are Baptist, Congregational, and Primitive Methodist chapels, and six almshouses.