Ramsgate

Ramsgate is an English seaside town on the Isle of Thanet in East Kent. It was one of the great English seaside towns in the 19th century and is a member of the ancient confederation of Cinque ports. Population: 1989 estimate 38,200.

Modern Times

Something almost amounting to a tradition for industrial militancy may be found in the history pages of Ramsgate. Such an occasion happened in August 1920 when following a decision by the Ramsgate corporation to sell 1000 tons of locally produced coke to Denmark, set of what became known as the 'coke riot'. It was unfortunate perhaps that these shipments were to be transported by two German ships, the first world war still fresh in local minds. Massive police protection of the harbour was required, but this did not prevent local people from venting their displeasure upon the local authorities.

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During the 1984 National Union of Mineworkers Strike, Ramsgate became the focus of media attention with several blockades of the Harbour by the coalmen of the nearby colleries, which had until then supported a sizable workforce throughout Thanet.

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Ramsgate was also the original location of the pressure group Critical Mass, which began its days in opposition to the government of Margaret Thatcher, often in support of the NUM. Critical Mass was founded in 1984 as a result of regulations that prevented local inhabitants out of work from living in the then-numerous empty hotels desperate for trade. The BBC made a documentary about these events, which was named Red Herrings, and broadcast on BBC2 in 1985.

Related Topics:
Critical Mass - Margaret Thatcher - 1984

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