When the works, contemplated under the last act, are carried into execution, they will tend greatly to improve the city of Canterbury and port of Sandwich, as hitherto, the haven of Sandwich, by reason of the shifting of the channel of the Stour, through the sands in Pegwell Bay, has been very unsafe for vessels of considerable burthen.
The importance of a harbour in the Downs was felt so early as the time of Edward VI. in which reign an attempt was made to form one near Sandwich; again in Elizabeth's reign; and, in 1744, an estimate for this purpose was laid before the Honourable the House of Commons, which amounted to the sum of £389,168, 13s. 2d. exclusive of land.
This scheme, however, was abandoned, and ultimately the excellent harbour at Ramsgate was proposed.
This is situate three miles to the northward of Sandwich Haven, and is the only secure harbour, in case of storm, on this part of the coast.
The celebrated piers which form it were begun in 1749, and are built entirely of Portland and Purbeck Stone.
The east pier extends, southerly, 800 feet into the sea; it then turns to the west, exhibiting a front, to the Downs, of a polygonal form of five sides, each 450 feet in length.
From the end of this an advanced pier, of 400 feet in length, was added to it by Mr. Smeaton, and at right angles with this, is the termination of the west pier, of nearly similar form and dimensions, leaving an entrance into the harbour of 200 feet in width.
The area enclosed from the sea is forty-six acres, and a basin has been subsequently formed, under the direction of the last mentioned engineer, at the upper end, by which the tide water can be so penned up, that when at low water the sluices are drawn, it has the effect of scouring out the silt which collects in the outer harbour.
