6(5 



RAMSGATE HARBOUR. 



PART VI. 



Elizabeth, and the subject was revived in succeeding 

 reigns. In 1737, Labelye, the architect of Westminster 

 Bridge, was called upon to investigate the subject ; and 

 ten years later, a- committee of the House of Commons, 

 after taking full evidence and obtaining every informa- 

 tion, reported that " a safe and commodious harbour may 

 be made into the Downs near Sandown Castle, fit for 

 the reception and security of large merchantmen and 

 ships of war, which would also be of great advantage to 



;' / , :.x* , 



MAP OF RAMSGATE AND HARBOUR. [Ordnance Survey.] 



the naval power of Great Britain." The estimated cost 

 of the proposed harbour was, however, considered too 

 formidable, although it was under half a million ; and 

 the project lay dormant until a violent storm occurred 

 in the Downs in 1748, by which a great number of 

 ships were forced from their anchors and driven on 

 shore. Several vessels, however, found safety in the 

 little haven at Eamsgate, which was then only used by 

 fishermen, the whole extent of its harbour accommoda- 

 tion consisting merely of a rough rubble pier. This 

 circumstance seems to have had the effect of directing 

 attention to Ramsgate as the proper place for a liar- 



