Secret Broadstairs

This book uncovers the hidden history of Broadstairs, featuring intriguing stories and notable figures like Charles Dickens. It highlights unique events and locations that shaped this charming Kent seaside town.

Secret Broadstairs uncovers the intriguing and lesser-known history of the coastal town of Broadstairs, located on the Isle of Thanet in East Kent. Through a captivating blend of stories, unusual facts, and appealing photographs, author Andy Bull takes readers on a journey through the town's rich past. Broadstairs, perched on cliffs overlooking the bay, derives its name from the stairs carved into the chalk cliffs that lead to the shore. Originally reliant on fishing and smuggling, the town transformed into a popular seaside resort in the nineteenth century, thanks to improved transportation links to London, while still preserving its historical charm.

In this book, Bull highlights notable figures associated with Broadstairs, including the controversial politician Charles Fox, literary giants like Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, and cultural icons such as Oscar Wilde. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes about the town's history, featuring the oldest lighthouse in the country, a smuggler who had an audience with Queen Victoria, and a preserved German shell hole in the residence of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror's proprietor, originally intended for Lord Northcliffe.

Secret Broadstairs invites readers to explore the town's hidden stories, remarkable individuals, and unique events that have shaped its identity over the years. With a focus on tucked-away historical buildings and locations that have faded from memory, this book is sure to resonate with anyone interested in the fascinating history of this charming seaside town in Kent.