Sandwich Kent England UK: History Timeline: 1700 to 1999

Included in the list of many events and dates, Thomas Paine, the Earl of Sandwich and Royal St. Georg's Golf Club.

Sandwich Kent: 1700 to 1999

1755	Royal assent given on 25th April to build a bridge across the Haven.
1757	Drawbridge built by public subscription.
1759	Thomas Paine was in business in Sandwich and married a local woman Click here for more information.
1762	Legend of the 4th Earl of Sandwich - click here for the possible origin of the sandwich as an item of food.
1847	Dredging of the Haven and River Stour to remove silt, but only had a temporary effect. The railway came to Sandwich.
1880 to 1881	A Great Election Scandal. A local inquiry was held into alledged bribary and corruption in the paliamentary election of 1880. The judge lodged at Flint house in High Street and travelled to the hearing every day. Click HERE for a photograph of his coach and attendants. (popup window)
1887	Royal St. George's Golf Links founded by Dr. Laidlaw Purves. Click HERE for a photograph of the clubhouse, taken about 1920. (popup window)
1892	New Toll Bridge built - See the 'Past & Present' section in the main web site for pictures.
1914 to 1918	A major military supply depot and port established at Richborough near Sandwich. Tens of thousands of tons of stores passed through. One of the first in the world 'roll on roll off' or 'ro-ro' train ferries was used. Click HERE for a photograph.
1938	Refugees from Nazi persecution welcomed.
1942	The old military depot occupied by HMS Robertson marine base and parts of the Mulberry harbour built for D-Day.
1952	Sandwich is twinned with its old enemy, Honfleur.
1957	500 years after the terrible French attack of 1457, the mayor of Sandwich paid a visit to the town of Honfleur as a token of forgiveness.
1974 to 2000	Sandwich Borough status was cancelled and although the interests of Sandwich are now represented by elected members in Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council remains. Sandwich has a long history of fighting battles and defending its interests - the battles are now fought on a local political level.

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Saxons & Vikings

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