We got the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway from behind Kas & Stans to Dymchurch today. English Heritage had a Martello Tower open, one of the relatively few left intact from when they were built to see off 'Old Boney' should the French ever had invaded during the Napoleonic Wars.
An interesting structure, it's seaward side is thicker than the landward as any invasion would have come from the sea, though the gun on top of the tower could traverse 360 degrees in case they were attacked from the land side. A compliment of 3 officers and 24 men would man each tower though as the threat of invasion lessened so the compliment was not kept up, some were later used by the Coastguard.It's still got the original gun on top a smooth bore 24 pounder on a rebuilt carriage.
A potter round Dymchurch and the inevitable cake and coffee then we got the train back. A diesel took us on the journey out and the steamer 'Southern Maid' on the return, we didn't get out at our stop but stayed on to go around Dungeness which was nice. A selection of photos follow, some with an arty effect. Tres bon.
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| In the Martello Tower. |
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| Kas,Tara & I on top of the Martello Tower. |
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| 'Southern Maid' drawing into the station. |
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| Former lighthouse keepers cottages. |
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