Broadstairs, The Harbour 1887

Photo ref: 19707

I am not sure which grandfather it was (how many greats do you want?) but the old part of my family, the Strevens, have lived in Broadstairs for the last five hundred years, and have the honour of having erected the post in the middle of the bay. This was one of five snubbing posts that allowed the barges to warp right up to the pier where they loaded tar and coke from the gas works at the top ...see more

This photograph from 1887 shows a post in the middle of the picture, standing upright in the sea - to this day it is still there. As a child it was always a point at which I arranged to meet with my brother, or my mum if I wandered off whilst on the beach. Growing up in Broadstairs was just the best place for a child to start life - we had great freedom, a great place to play and a beautiful, historic town - a privilege. Jo Laight