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'{{Use British English|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}} {{infobox UK place | country = England | official_name = Whitstable | coordinates = {{coord|51.361|1.026|display=inline,title}} | population = 32,100 | population_ref = ([[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 Census]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/uk-england-southeastengland.php?cityid=E35000473|title=Town Population 2011|access-date=11 September 2016|publisher=City Populations}}</ref> | shire_district = [[City of Canterbury]] | shire_county = [[Kent]] | region = South East England | constituency_westminster = [[Canterbury (UK Parliament constituency)|Canterbury]] | post_town = WHITSTABLE | postcode_district = CT5 | postcode_area = CT | dial_code = 01227 | os_grid_reference = TR107667 | static_image_name = Whitstable Harbour, Kent, UK.jpg | static_image_caption = Whitstable Harbour | static_image_alt = Several boats docked at a harbour }} '''Whitstable''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|hw|ɪ|t|s|t|ə|b|əl}})<!--We transcribe /hw/ when it occurs, and advise readers at the link that it is commonly pronounced as /enwiki/w/.--> is a seaside town on the north coast of [[Kent]] in south-east England,<ref name=ATZ>{{cite book|title=Kent – A to Z street Atlas|publisher=Geographers A-Z Map Company Ltd.|isbn=9781843487555|page=226|work=Map of the Whitstable area}}</ref> 5 miles (8&nbsp;km) north of [[Canterbury]] and 2 miles (3&nbsp;km) west of [[Herne Bay, Kent|Herne Bay]]. It has a population of about 32,000. Whitstable was famous for its 'Native Oysters' which were collected from beds beyond the low water mark from Roman times until the mid-20th century. The annual [[Whitstable Oyster Festival]], takes place during the summer. In 1830, one of the earliest passenger railway services was opened<ref name=EB1911>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Whitstable |volume=28 |page=612}}</ref> by the [[Canterbury and Whitstable Railway]] Company. In 1832 the company built a harbour and extended the line to handle coal and other bulk cargos for the City of Canterbury. The railway has closed but the harbour still plays an important role in the town's economy. The railway route, known as The Crab and Winkle Line, is now a cycle path which leads to the neighbouring city of Canterbury. ==History== Archaeological finds indicate that the Whitstable area was inhabited during the [[Palaeolithic]] era, the [[Bronze Age]] and the [[Iron Age]].<ref name="Up to 1000AD">{{cite web | title = Up to 1000AD | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=2425 | access-date =20 May 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Prehistoric">{{cite book | last= Duckworth|first=W. L. H|title = Prehistoric Man| page = 83 }}</ref> Oysters were harvested in the area in [[ancient Rome|Roman]] times.<ref name="oyster">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Oyster Company | publisher = Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company | url = http://www.oysterfishery.co.uk/history%20of%20the%20company.html | access-date =29 March 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070501102314/http://www.oysterfishery.co.uk/history%20of%20the%20company.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 1 May 2007}}</ref> The remains of a Roman building have been found in the centre of the town. Charters indicate that there were [[Anglo-Saxons|Saxon]] settlements where salt production and coastal trade occurred.<ref name="agrarian">{{cite book | last=Hallam |title = The Agrarian history of England and Wales| year =1988| page = 922 }}</ref> The town was recorded in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086, under the name ''Witenestaple'',<ref>http://opendomesday.org/place/TR1066/whitstable/ Open Domesday Map: Whitstable</ref> meaning "the meeting place of the white post", a reference to a local landmark. At that time, Witenestaple was the administrative centre of the [[hundred (county division)|hundred]] of Witenestaple<ref>http://opendomesday.org/hundred/whitstable/ Open Domesday Map: Whitstable Hundred</ref> which stretched from the coast to the village of [[Blean]], {{convert|3|km|mi|0}} north of Canterbury. In addition to Witenestaple, the hundred contained three [[Manorialism|manors]] at [[Seasalter]], Northwood and [[Swalecliffe]]. The Seasalter and Swalecliffe manors were owned by the church, and the manor at Northwood was run by a noble family on behalf of the king. Fisheries were located at the Seasalter manor, [[saltworks]] were at the Northwood manor, and pigs were farmed at the forest in Blean.<ref name = "1000 - 1500"/> By 1226, the name of the area had evolved into Whitstaple.<ref name = "place names"/> Saltworks were opened at the Seasalter manor around the turn of the 14th century, and a sea wall was built there in 1325 to prevent [[coastal flooding]].<ref name="1000 - 1500">{{cite web | title = 1000–1500 | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=2426 | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> The history and development of the town has determined and been determined by the shape and location of the coast which has changed over recorded history due to natural events and human interventions. [[Image:Cobbled Street in Whitstable.jpg|right|thumb|Harbour Street in Whitstable Town Centre|alt=A narrow paved road, lined with shops]] By 1413, the three manors had combined to form the Whitstaple manor, and had been sold to a religious foundation in [[Essex]].<ref name="1000 - 1500"/> The manor was seized by King [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] during the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] in the 16th century, and was given to the Minter family, originally from [[Ickham]]. Branches of the Minter family survive today in the same area).{{Citation needed|date=December 2015}} A royal patent was granted in 1574 to the manor owner for the fishing of its oyster beds,<ref name = "oyster"/> and in the same year, the lands at Tankerton were incorporated into the manor. A [[copperas]] works was established at Tankerton in 1588, which operated until about 1830.<ref name="1500 - 1700">{{cite web | title = 1500–1700 | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=2427 | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> By 1610, the name Whitstaple had become Whitstable.<ref name="place names">{{cite web | title = Kent place names | publisher = BBC | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/places/names/names_o-z.shtml | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> Around the mid-18th century, goods and passengers began to be transported by ship between London and Whitstable, and a [[toll road]] was built to the cathedral city of Canterbury. These improvements in transport led to the town's development as a seaside resort; the first advertisements for [[bathing machine]]s at Whitstable appeared in 1768. In 1790 the manor was sold to private landowners, and three years later the rights to harvest the oyster beds were bought by the newly established Company of Free Fishers and Dredgers of Whitstable,<ref name="1700 - 1800">{{cite web | title = 1700–1800 | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=2428 | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company | publisher = The National Archives | url = http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/781ea255-66d3-4c73-8243-02d5fcfe4879 | access-date =14 May 2015 }}</ref> the successor to the Whitstable Company of Dredgers.<ref name="Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company Bill">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company Bill | publisher = The Stationery Office Limited | url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmprbill/006/whit.pdf | access-date =14 May 2015 }}</ref> Between roughly 1775 and 1875 the [[well smack]]s or early [[longline fishing|longliners]] out of [[Barking, London|Barking]] and other local fishing ports would collect [[lugworm]]s and [[whelk]]s from Whitstable's [[fishing bait|bait]]-diggers and [[fishing dredge|dredgers]] before beginning their tour for [[cod|prime fish]] north to [[Iceland]]. Whelks suspended in net bags in the well could live for a while due to circulating water.<ref name="EdgarJMarchTrawlers">{{cite book|last=March|first=Edgar J.|title=Sailing Trawlers|year=1950}}</ref> [[Image:Whitstable beach.jpg|right|thumb|Whitstable Beach]] On 3 May 1830, the world's first entirely steam-hauled passenger and freight railway service was opened by the [[Canterbury and Whitstable Railway|Canterbury and Whitstable Railway Company]].<ref name="lines"/><ref name="economics">{{cite book | title = Railway Economics |year= 1912}}</ref> Designed by [[William James]], the line ran six miles (10&nbsp;km) from Westgate in Canterbury to Whitstable town centre. The railway line's initials—C&WR—and Whitstable's shellfish industry eventually led to its nickname, the Crab And Winkle Railway. Trains were driven by a locomotive for part of the journey, but on inclined planes were pulled on ropes by steam-driven [[stationary engines|stationary winding engines]] located at Tyler Hill and Clowes Wood.<ref name="lines"/><ref name="economy"/><ref name="crab"/> The locomotive used was the ''Invicta'', an 0-4-0 inclined cylinder tender locomotive built by [[Robert Stephenson]], the son of engineer [[George Stephenson]].<ref name="lines">{{cite book | last= Searle |first=Muriel Vivienne|title = Lost lines| year =1982| pages = 11–13 }}</ref><ref name="locomotives">{{cite book | last=Dendy Marshall|first=Chapman Frederick |title = A history of railway locomotives down to the end of the year 1831 | year = 1953 }}</ref> Whitstable harbour was opened by the railway company in 1832, and the rail line was extended to enable goods, mainly coal, to be directly transferred from ships onto the trains.<ref name="economy">{{cite book | last= Armstrong|first=Alan|title = The economy of Kent, 1640–1914| page = 195 }}</ref> In 1834, the world's first [[season ticket]]s were issued for the C&WR line.<ref name="lines"/> The ''Invicta'' locomotive was retired in 1840 and replaced by horses until a third winding engine was built at South Street.<ref name="crab">{{cite web | title =Crab and Winkle Way | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/assets/transport/crabandwinkle.pdf|format=PDF | access-date =29 July 2009 }}</ref> The ''Invicta'' was kept for scrap, but in 1898 work began on its restoration, which continued intermittently until its completion in 1977 by the [[National Railway Museum]] in [[York]]. On 3 May 1980 the locomotive was returned to Canterbury to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the line.<ref name="lines"/> On Sunday June 16th 2019 Invicta was returned to the Whitstable Museum & Gallery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whitstablemuseum.org/category/invicta/|title=Invicta {{!}} Whitstable Museum and Gallery|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref> Around the time of the construction of the Whitstable to Canterbury line, the local Gorrell stream was diverted into what was known as the Backwater reservoir, so as to prevent the railway needing to cross the estuary of the stream on damp and unstable land. The Gorrell Backwater was then filled through the stream itself as well as rain water drainage when the tide was in, and whilst out the water would be released into the newly built Whitstable Harbour. The reservoir unfortunately would contribute to the flooding of the town during years when the reservoir could not be drained, such as in 1897 and 1953 when weather conditions were exceptionally bad. This continued into the late 1960s, when fire engines were used to pump out large quantities of the water to prevent further flooding. In the early 1970s, the present Gorrell Tank was built underground, with the Gorrell Car Park being in service above ground since.<ref name="tank">{{cite web | title = Parking on History| publisher = Oystertown | url = http://www.oystertown.net/extras/my-whitstable-times-articles/parking-on-history/|access-date = 8 July 2017 }}</ref> In 1845, the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway Company was bought by the South Eastern Railway, who introduced steam locomotives capable of operating along the entire length of the railway.<ref name="lines"/> A direct rail route from Whitstable to London was established in 1860 when the [[London, Chatham and Dover Railway]] opened a station on what is now the [[Chatham Main Line]].<ref name="economy"/> On 16 November 1869, 71 buildings in the town were destroyed by a [[The Great Fire of Whitstable, 1869|fire]] which started at a shop near the harbour.<ref name="fire">{{cite book | last=Goodsall|first=Robert|title = Whitstable, Seasalter and Swalecliffe | year = 1938 }}</ref> In about 1856 the first branch of the [[Sea Cadet Corps (United Kingdom)|Sea Cadet Corps]], then known as the Naval Lads' Brigade, was established in the town by the Reverend Henry Barton.<ref name="Cadets">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Sea Cadets | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.co.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=334| access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> [[Image:Harbourpanorama.jpg|center|thumb|800px|Whitstable harbour; the tarmac plant is visible in the background.|alt=Whitstable harbour]] A plant to manufacture [[tarmacadam]] was built beside Whitstable Harbour in 1936. The harbour gradually fell into decay after the Second World War, but in 1958 the Whitstable Urban District Council purchased and repaired the harbour with the intention of rejuvenating the town's economy.<ref name="squay">{{cite web | title = South Quay public consultation | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=2323&prn=y | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> By the early 20th century, the Oyster Company of Free Fishers and Dredgers had become the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company. 'Native Oyster' collection drastically declined in the first half of the 20th century and then ceased due to pollution, disease, bad weather and underinvestment. An attempt to farm Pacific Oysters on the foreshore was initiated in 2016 and is currently the subject of an investigation by the Marine Management Organisation after allegations about the racks causing safety issues and blocking navigation for watercraft and swimmers.<ref>http://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/oyster-racks-threatening-lives-118882/</ref><ref>https://www.cefas.co.uk/publications/lableaflets/lableaflet31.pdf P9</ref> The Crab and Winkle Line finally closed in 1953, but about a third of the line was reopened as a footpath and cycleway in 1999 under the stewardship of a local charity, the Crab and Winkle Line Trust.<ref name="crab"/> One of the main developments to the town in recent years was the Horsebridge project. Completed in 2005, it was designed to regenerate a dilapidated area of the town with the construction of new shops and houses, a town square, and a community centre with a performance space and art gallery.<ref name="then">{{cite book | last= Glover|first=M. R. |title = Whitstable Then and Now| year =2005| publisher = Nonsuch Publishing }}</ref> ==Governance== Since 1918, Whitstable has been in the constituency of [[Canterbury (UK Parliament constituency)|Canterbury]]. As of 2017, the Member of Parliament for the constituency is Labour Party MP Rosie Duffield. At the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017 general election]], in Canterbury Labour won a majority of 187 and 45% of the vote. the Conservatives won 44.7% of the vote, [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] 8%, [[Green Party of England and Wales|Green Party]] 2.3%. Whitstable, along with Herne Bay and Canterbury, is in the [[City of Canterbury]] [[Districts of England|local government district]]. The town comprises the five electoral wards of Tankerton, Seasalter, Chestfield and Swalecliffe, Gorrell and Harbour. These wards have 12 of the 50 seats on the [[City of Canterbury|Canterbury]] City Council. Following the [[2009 United Kingdom local elections|2009 local elections]], ten of those seats were held by the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]] and two by the Labour Party.<ref>{{cite web | title = Members of the Council | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www2.canterbury.gov.uk/committee/mgMemberIndex.asp?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0 | access-date =29 July 2009 }}</ref> Whitstable has no parish or town council. In their lieu, the Official Planning Consultee is the Whitstable Society, membership of which is open to all.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Whitstable Society | publisher = The Whitstable Society | url = http://whitstablesociety.info }}</ref> ==Geography== Whitstable is on the north-east Kent coast. The town lies to the east of the outlet of [[The Swale]] into the Thames Estuary. The town is {{convert|3|km|mi|0}} west of the seaside town of Herne Bay, {{convert|8|km|mi|0}} north-east of the town of [[Faversham]] and {{convert|8|km|mi|0}} north of the city of Canterbury; several small villages lie in between. The suburbs/villages of [[Tankerton]], [[Swalecliffe]] and [[Chestfield]] are at the eastern end of the town, [[Seasalter]] at the west, and South Street at the south. Chestfield has its own [[Civil parish|parish]] council. An area of protected woodland and grassland called [[Duncan Down]] lies to the south-east. {{Geographic location |title = '''Destinations from Whitstable''' |Northwest = [[Thames Estuary]] (sea) |North = [[Thames Estuary]] (sea) |Northeast = [[Thames Estuary]] (sea) |West = [[The Swale]] (sea) |Centre = Whitstable |East = [[Herne Bay, Kent|Herne Bay]] (town) |Southwest = [[Graveney]] with [[Goodnestone, Swale|Goodnestone]] (civil parish) |South = [[Blean]] (civil parish) |Southeast = [[Chestfield]] and [[Swalecliffe]] (civil parish) }} The geology of the town consists mainly of [[London Clay]] (which covers most of North Kent).<ref>{{cite book | last=Woodward|first=Horrace B|title = Stanford's Geological Atlas | year = 1904 }}</ref> Much of the centre of the town is built on low-lying marshland.<ref>{{cite EB1911|wstitle = Kent (county) | display=Kent | volume =15 }}</ref> Sea walls are in place to prevent coastal flooding. The land in the east is higher, with slopes down to the coast at Tankerton. The whole of the north-east Kent coast has been designated a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Geological Sites Map | publisher = Natureonthemap.org.uk | url = http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx | access-date =24 April 2007 }}</ref> A very unusual (some say unique) shingle spit locally named "The Street" extends into the sea to the east of the harbour, formed by the local currents. It is exposed at low tide, and visitors, ignoring the warning signs, are sometimes trapped by the advancing tide, needing to be rescued by the local [[RNLI]] lifeboat. See Culture: Attractions and Landmarks below. ===Climate=== In East Kent, the warmest time of the year is July and August, when maximum temperatures average around 21&nbsp;°C (70&nbsp;°F). The coolest time of the year is January and February, when minimum temperatures average around 1&nbsp;°C (39&nbsp;°F).<ref name="metwye">{{cite web | title = Wye 1971–2000 averages | publisher = Met Office | url = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/wye.html?s=043330&refer= | access-date = 29 March 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929093154/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/wye.html?s=043330&refer= | archive-date = 29 September 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> East Kent's average maximum and minimum temperatures are around 1/2&nbsp;°C higher than the national average.<ref name="metengland">{{cite web | title = England 1971–2000 averages | publisher = Met Office | url = http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/areal/england.html | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> Whitstable is sometimes warmer than other parts of [[Kent]] due to it being backed by the [[North Downs]] to the south.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kent weather exposed |publisher=BBC Kent |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/weather/features/kent_weather2.shtml |access-date=12 June 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426172737/http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/weather/features/kent_weather2.shtml |archive-date=26 April 2009 }}</ref> East Kent's average annual rainfall is about 728&nbsp;mm (29&nbsp;in); October to January being the wettest months.<ref name="metwye"/> The national average annual rainfall is about 838&nbsp;mm (33&nbsp;in).<ref name="metengland"/> A recent drought caused Mid Kent Water to impose a [[hosepipe ban]] between August 2005<ref>{{cite web | title = Mid Kent Water Impose Further Water Restrictions | publisher = Mid Kent Water | url = http://www.midkentwater.co.uk/Press/hosepipe%20ban.htm | access-date =29 March 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070321082321/http://www.midkentwater.co.uk/Press/hosepipe%20ban.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 21 March 2007}}</ref> and February 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = Mid Kent Water Lifts Ban | publisher = HosePipeBan.org.uk | url = http://www.hosepipeban.org.uk/?p=52 |date=27 February 2007 | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> The nearest Met Office average data for each month as well as the current data reported on the BBC web site are from recording stations approximately {{convert|20|mi|km|sigfig=1}} away to east and west and do not well represent Whitstable weather. Current and past data from the nearest unofficial weather station (Whitstable Heights) can be seen at https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=IWHITSTA2 ===Transport links=== [[Image:North East Kent.svg|right|thumb|North-east Kent|alt=A map of north-east Kent, with urban areas shaded in grey. Labels mark the locations of the Thames Estuary, the Isle of Sheppey, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Deal, Faversham and Canterbury.]] [[Whitstable railway station]] is on the [[Chatham Main Line]], which runs between [[Ramsgate]] in East Kent and [[London Victoria station|London Victoria]]. Other stations on this line include Broadstairs, Margate, Herne Bay, Faversham, Gillingham, Rochester and Bromley South.<ref>{{cite web | title = Timetable | publisher = National Rail Enquiries | url = http://ojp2.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/tt | access-date = 29 March 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070328161700/http://ojp2.nationalrail.co.uk/en/pj/tt | archive-date = 28 March 2007 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Whitstable is around 1&nbsp;hour and 30&nbsp;minutes from London; ten minutes more than in 2009 due to the introduction of HS services up the line. On weekdays, during the morning and evening peaks, there is a direct service to London's [[Cannon Street station]], provided primarily for business commuting. These trains run to Cannon Street in the morning and from Cannon Street in the evening. A [[National Express Coaches|National Express]] coach service runs between London Victoria and Ramsgate.<ref>{{cite web | title = Timetable | publisher = National Express | url = http://www.nationalexpress.com/bp/b2.cfm?id=84618113 | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> There is a [[Stagecoach Group|Stagecoach]] bus service branded as the Triangle running about every fifteen minutes to neighbouring Herne Bay and Canterbury, where many Whitstable residents go to work and shop. Also route 5 runs from the Town to Canterbury.<ref>{{cite web | title =East Kent – Timetables | publisher =Stagecoach | url =https://www.stagecoachbus.com/ | access-date =29 July 2009 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20091002094320/https://www.stagecoachbus.com/ | archive-date =2 October 2009 | df =dmy-all }}</ref> The [[A299 road]], known as the Thanet Way, runs between Ramsgate and [[Faversham]] via Herne Bay and Whitstable, and merges with the [[M2 motorway (Great Britain)|M2 motorway]] at Faversham. ==Demography== {| class="wikitable" id="toc" style="float: right; margin-left: 2em; width: 40%; font-size: 90%;" cellspacing="3" !colspan="4"|'''Whitstable Compared''' |- |'''2001 UK Census'''||'''Whitstable'''||'''Canterbury District'''||'''England''' |- |Total population||30,195||135,278||49,138,831 |- |Foreign born||4.5%||5.1%||9.2% |- |White||98%||97%||91% |- |Asian||0.6%||1.6%||4.6% |- |Black||0.2%||0.5%||2.3% |- |Christian||74%||73%||72% |- |Muslim||0.3%||0.6%||3.1% |- |Hindu||0.1%||0.4%||1.1% |- |No religion||16%||17%||15% |- |Over 65&nbsp;years old||23%||19%||16% |- |Unemployed||2.5%||2.7%||3.3% |} At the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 UK census]], Whitstable area [[Wards of the United Kingdom|electoral ward]]s had a population of 30,195 and a population density of 10.3 persons per [[hectare]].<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> The ethnicity of the town was 98.2% white, 0.8% mixed race, 0.2% Chinese, 0.4% other Asian, 0.2% black and 0.2% other. The place of birth of residents was 95.5% United Kingdom, 0.6% Republic of Ireland, 1.2% other Western European countries, and 2.7% elsewhere. Religion was recorded as 74.8% Christian, 0.3% Muslim, 0.3% Buddhist, 0.2% Jewish, 0.1% Hindu and 0.1% Sikh. 15.8% were recorded as having no religion, 0.4% had an alternative religion and 8.1% did not state their religion.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> The age distribution was 5% aged 0–4&nbsp;years, 14% aged 5–15&nbsp;years, 4% aged 16–19&nbsp;years, 28% aged 20–44&nbsp;years, 26% aged 45–64&nbsp;years and 23% aged 65&nbsp;years and over. The town has a high percentage of residents over 65, compared with the national average of 16%.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> As a seaside town, Whitstable is a popular retirement destination. Of the town's 13,155 households, 49.0% were married couples, 7.8% were [[Cohabitation|cohabiting]] couples and 8.0% were lone parents. 30.7% of households were individuals, and 18.0% had someone living alone at pensionable age. 26.4% of households included children aged under 16, or a person aged 16 to 18 who was in full-time education.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> ==Economy== According to the 2001 UK census, the economic activity of residents in the town aged 16–74 was 35.6% in full-time employment, 13.4% in part-time employment, 10.4% self-employed, 2.5% unemployed, 2.4% students with jobs, 3.4% students without jobs, 18.8% retired, 6.7% looking after home or family, 4.5% permanently sick or disabled and 2.3% economically inactive for other reasons. The percentage of retired people was significantly higher than the national figure of 13.5%. The unemployment rate of 2.5% was lower than the national rate of 3.3%. 12% of the town's residents aged 16–74 had a [[higher education]] qualification or the equivalent, compared to 20% nationwide.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> The main activities at the harbour are fishing, fish processing, cargo handling and boat storage.<ref>{{cite web | title =Whitstable Harbour Annual Report 2006-07 | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url =http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/assets/harbour/harbourannualreport2006.pdf|format=PDF | access-date =23 April 2007 }}</ref> The harbour area is the site for other industries such as tarmac manufacturing and a maintenance port for an offshore [[windfarm]].<ref name="Whitstable Harbour">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Harbour | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=1419 | access-date =23 April 2007 }}</ref> Business parks located on the outskirts of the town provide premises for large retailers, offices and light industries.<ref name="Whitstable Enterprise Centre">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Enterprise Centre | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.business.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=11 | access-date =23 April 2007 }}</ref> The town's distinctive character and ambience has led to a strong tourist industry, which is promoted each year by the Oyster Festival. In early 2007, Canterbury City Council were planning to boost tourism by building retail developments in addition to the existing shopping centre.<ref name="Whitstable planning strategy">{{cite web | title = Whitstable planning strategy | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=534 | access-date =21 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927040653/http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=534 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 27 September 2007}}</ref> The 2001 UK census reported the industry of employment of residents of Whitstable as 18% retail, 13% health and social work, 12% manufacturing, 11% education, 10% real estate, 9% construction, 7% transport and communications, 5% public administration, 5% hotels and restaurants, 4% finance, 1% agriculture and 5% other community, social or personal services. Compared to national figures, the town had a relatively high number of workers in the construction, education, and health/social care industries and a relatively low number in manufacturing, finance, and real estate.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> Many residents commute to work outside the town; at the 2001 census, there were 13,260 employed residents, but only 9,725 jobs within the town.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> The high level of employees in teaching is possibly due to the town's proximity to Canterbury, which has three higher education establishments.<ref name="Boosting our local economy">{{cite web | title = Boosting our local economy | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=2519 | access-date =21 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927040449/http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=2519 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 27 September 2007}}</ref> The elderly population of the town has led to many health and social care jobs at local care homes and at the Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital.<ref name="Hospital">{{cite web | title = Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital | publisher = NHS | url = http://www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk/local_nhs_services/hospitals/whitstable_and_tankerton.asp | access-date =21 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070415150739/http://www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk/local_nhs_services/hospitals/whitstable_and_tankerton.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 15 April 2007}}</ref> At the 2001 census, 1.3% of the town's population resided in a medical or care establishment, compared to the national average of only 0.8%.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk"/> ==Education== Whitstable's secondary school is [[The Whitstable School]], formerly The Community College Whitstable. It is a [[secondary modern school]] which changed its name from Sir William Nottidge School in 1998. In 2009, 25% of its pupils gained at least five [[GCSE]]s at grades A*–C – this increased to 37% in 2011.<ref>{{cite news | title = Schools in Kent | publisher = BBC | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/09/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/886_4091.stm|date=13 January 2010 | access-date =1 June 2010 }}</ref> The School was rated 'Requires Improvement' by Ofsted in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web | title = Ofsted | publisher = Ofsted | url = http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/118803|date=1 November 2015 | access-date =1 November 2015 }}</ref> Many pupils living in Whitstable commute to schools in other nearby towns, especially to the [[Grammar schools in the United Kingdom|grammar schools]] in [[Faversham]] and [[Canterbury]]. The town's public primary schools are Whitstable Junior School, Whitstable and Seasalter Church of England Junior School, Westmeads Infant School, Swalecliffe Community Primary School, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, St Alphege C of E Primary School, Joy Lane Primary School.<ref>{{cite web | title = UK Schools and Colleges Database | publisher = Schoolswebdirectory.co.uk | url = http://www.schoolswebdirectory.co.uk/postcode.php?searchword=ct5&action=Search | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> The [[voluntary controlled school|voluntary controlled]] church schools are owned by the church, but like the other schools, are administered by [[Kent County Council]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Schools and the Church of England | publisher = Church of England | url = http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/education/schools/ | access-date =29 March 2007 }}</ref> Whitstable Adult Education Centre runs adult learning courses.<ref>{{cite web | title = Adult and community education | publisher = Kent County Council | url = http://www.kentadulteducation.co.uk/pages/common/KentAdultEducation.aspx?pg=2150 | access-date =29 July 2009 }}</ref> ==Culture== ===Events and venues=== The longest established event is the Regatta dating from a sailing contest between 26 boats from Whitstable and Faversham split into three classes (divisions) in 1792. A reporter at the scene wrote: "Much nautical skill was displayed in the maneuvering of the various squadrons. Every hoy, smack, wherry etc. in the vicinity of Whitstable was crowded with company and formed quite a fair upon the ocean." In addition, at least two of the spectating boats had bands aboard and tents were erected along the shore which was lined with spectators.<ref>{{cite book | title = History of Whitstable, Seasalter & Swalecliffe |author=Robert Goodsall, quoting Kentish Gazette of 1792 | year =1938 }}</ref> The Regatta continued to become the biggest event on the North Kent Coast in the 19th century. It has moved from the original Whitstable to Tankerton for more land based events with fairground and fireworks on the elevated Slopes. For many years run by the Council, the Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club have taken it on in the last 31 years. Future events will be more sea borne with yachting and rowing, and plans for swimming and even the traditional greasy pole. [[May Day]] is celebrated with the annual [[Jack-in-the-Green]] parade, with traditional English dancing throughout the town, a fair at Whitstable Castle and a [[maypole]] dance by local schoolchildren overlooking the sea. It has been run by Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club for 34 years. The importance of oysters to the tradition of Whitstable is celebrated with the Oyster Festival in July each year. The nine-day festival starts with an opening parade on the nearest Saturday to [[James, son of Zebedee|St James' Day]]. The parade starts with the official "Landing of the Catch", followed by the procession of the oysters in a horse-drawn dray through the town, stopping to deliver the catch to local restaurants, cafes and public houses. The rest of the festival consists of entertainment for both adults and children, with local art on display around the town, and many establishments offering local fish dishes.<ref name="festival">{{cite web | title = Whitstable and the Oyster Festival history | publisher = Whitstable and the Oyster Festival | url = http://www.whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=11 | access-date =21 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061219183705/http://www.whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=11 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 19 December 2006}}</ref> The [[Whitstable Museum and Gallery]] displays artefacts and portraits relating to the town's seafaring traditions, with special features on oysters, diving and shipping. In 2001, the Museum was awarded the international Nautiek Award for services to diving history.<ref name="museum">{{cite web | title = Whitstable museum and art gallery | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=2394 | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> The [[Playhouse Theatre Whitstable]] is owned and administered by theatrical group, [[The Lindley Players Ltd]]. The theatre is regularly hired out to other local groups such as The Canterbury Players, Herne Bay Operatic Society, Theatrecraft & The Deborah Capon College. More recently Nick Wilty has adopted the venue to host the OyOyster Comedy nights, attracting stars including [[Harry Hill]], [[Jo Brand]] and [[Paul Merton]].<ref name="playhouse">{{cite web | title =The Playhouse Theatre| publisher =theplayhousewhitstable.co.uk| url = http://www.theplayhousewhitstable.co.uk/ | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre opened in March 2004 as part of the Horsebridge redevelopment. Built with an "upturned boat" design, and three floors totalling {{convert|900|m2|sqft}}, the centre contains an art gallery, a performance space, art workshops, a learning area, and conference rooms.<ref name="centre">{{cite web | title = Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre | publisher = Horsebridge-centre.org.uk| url = http://www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk/?q=node/5 | access-date =1 August 2009 }}</ref><ref name="tourism">{{cite book | title = Cultural tourism in a changing world| author= Smith, Melanie K.| author2= Robinson, Mike| publisher = Channel View Publications|page=301 | year =2006 }}</ref> The building in 2004 won the [[Kent Design Awards|Kent Design Award]] in the Town and Village Renaissance category.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clague.co.uk/sector-details.asp?CategoryID=10 |title =Portfolio |website =clague.co.uk |year=2004 |access-date=16 January 2014}}</ref> There are monthly beach cleans carried out alone the Whitstable sea front. They are organised by the Canterbury Council Foreshore service in conjunction with the [[Marine Conservation Society]]. The location of the beach clean alternates each month between the beach by the Neptune pub and the [[Seasalter]] end. Times and dates can be obtained for the Fore shore services or the MCS South East Groups website, calendar page. ===Attractions and landmarks=== [[Image:Whitstable Castle 1.jpg|right|thumb|Whitstable Castle]] [[Image:Whitstable mill.jpg|thumb|Black Mill|alt=A view down a short cul-de-sac lined with houses, with a black windmill at the far end, facing to the left of the picture]] The town has [[Shingle beach|shingle]]/sandy beaches flanking the harbour, where sunbathing, swimming and water sports are popular. The beaches east and west are unique amongst seaside towns in the south east of England for having no promenade; making them generally peaceful. An exception is Long Beach to the immediate east of the harbour where there is a base for jet skis. A notable feature of Whitstable is The Street, a natural strip of shingle on clay bank which runs out to sea at right angles to the coast, for a distance of about {{convert|1/2|mi|m|sigfig=1}}. It is the last remnant of the Swale river valley to the north of the town lost to sea erosion over millennia. Located to the east of the harbour, The Street is revealed only at low tide, when it is possible to walk out along it as well as swim either side in safe, sandy bottomed shallows.<ref name="street">{{cite web | title = Top 10 beaches in the UK | publisher = SHE magazine | url = http://www.allaboutyou.com/escape/daysout/topbeaches/?MemID=6 | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> A view of The Street can be seen on the hilltop lawns of Tankerton Slopes.<ref name="Tankerton Slopes">{{cite web | title = Tankerton Slopes | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.co.uk/thedms.asp?dms=13&p1=c&feature=1&venue=3030643&easi=true | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> The Slopes are home to the largest population in England of the rare Hog’s [[Fennel]].<ref name="maritime">{{cite web | title = Whitstable | publisher = MaritimeHeritageTrail.co.uk | url = http://www.maritimeheritagetrail.co.uk/EN/loc_history.php?id=14 | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> Whitstable Castle is situated on the border of Whitstable and the suburb of [[Tankerton]]. It was originally built as an octagonal tower in 1789 by Charles Pearson, the owner of a [[Iron(II) sulfate|copperas]] company in the town and a future investor in the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway. However, Pearson later added to the building, developing it into a manor house. In 1836 the house, then known as Tankerton Tower, was bought by London businessman and [[Whigs (British political party)|Whig]] [[Member of Parliament (UK)|MP]] [[Wynne Ellis|Wynn Ellis]],<ref name=EB1911/> who by 1842 had added a west wing, a bell tower and a lodge. The building had become known as Tankerton Castle by 1897, although it is now commonly referred to as Whitstable Castle.<ref name="castle">{{cite web|title=The Story of Whitstable Castle |publisher=Whitstablecastle.co.uk |url=http://www.whitstablecastle.co.uk/downloads/history.pdf |format=PDF |access-date=29 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104062540/http://www.whitstablecastle.co.uk/downloads/history.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2009 }}</ref> Now managed by the Whitstable Castle Trust, the castle grounds are a centre for community activity.<ref name="castleCCC">{{cite web | title =Whitstable Castle Lottery bid | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=3319| access-date =29 July 2009 }}</ref> Off the coast of Whitstable is [[Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm|Kentish Flats offshore windfarm]], consisting of 30 [[wind turbine]]s, each {{convert|140|m|ft|0}} high, providing enough electricity to power 70,000 households.<ref name="windfarm">{{cite web | title = Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm | publisher = Vattenfall | url = http://www.vattenfall.com/www/vf_com/vf_com/365787ourxc/366203opera/555848newpo/557004biofu/1466604ourxw/599930kenti/index.jsp| access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> The now-redundant [[Shivering Sands Army Fort|Shivering Sands]] and Red Sands offshore [[World War II]] [[Maunsell Forts|sea forts]] are visible from the town's coast.<ref name="Maunsell">{{cite web | title = The Maunsell Sea Forts | publisher = Whitstablescene.co.uk | url = http://www.whitstablescene.co.uk/forts.htm | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> Sailing trips are available from the harbour to the windfarm, the sea forts and a seal watching spot in the Thames Estuary.<ref name="trips">{{cite web | title = Bayblast Marine | publisher = VisitCanterbury.co.uk | url = http://www.visitcanterbury.co.uk/thedms.asp?dms=13&areaid=148&venue=3030676 | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> Island Wall, the closest street to the seafront, has numerous buildings dating from the mid-19th century including the Neptune and Wall Tavern pubs, and the Dollar Row cottages, which were built from the proceeds of a salvage operation on a ship carrying silver dollars.<ref name="dollar">{{cite web | title = Diver's trail | publisher = Canterbury City Council | url = http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=2420 | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> The street is home to the ''Favourite'', one of the few remaining Whitstable oyster [[yawl]]s.<ref name="favourite">{{cite web | title = Favourite Oyster Yawl | publisher = National Historic Ships | url = http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/ships_register.php?action=ship&id=1824| access-date =24 April 2007 }}</ref> Built in 1890, it is now managed by the Favourite Trust, a charitable trust who undertake fund raising to maintain the historical vessel.<ref name="Favourite Trust">{{cite web | title = Favourite Trust | publisher = Favourite Trust | url = http://www.favourite.org.uk | access-date =24 April 2007 }}</ref> A traditional [[Black Mill, Whitstable|windmill]] on Borstal Hill, built in 1815, is used as a motel. The town is criss-crossed by numerous small alleys, once used by fishermen to reach the beach. Many of these are now registered as public rights of way and are still in frequent use. Squeeze Gut Alley whose name suggests (erroneously) that most people have to walk sideways due to its narrowness, is one of the more notable.<ref name="Whitstable Alleyways">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Alleyways | publisher = SeeWhitstable.com | url = http://www.seewhitstable.com/Whitstable_alleys.html|year=2006 | access-date =24 April 2007 }}</ref> The town claims to have the largest village green in England at [[Duncan Down]] ({{convert|52|acre|m2}}).<ref>[http://keepbritaintidy.org/GreenFlag/GreenFlagAwardSites/SouthEast/Default.aspx?parkID=406 Duncan Down, Green Flag Awards, Keep Britain Tidy. Retrieved 28 September 2011]</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Duncan Down village green |publisher = Independent Media Publications | url = http://issuu.com/whitstableimp/docs/imp_oct | access-date =30 September 2009 }}</ref> ===Sports=== [[Image:Maunsell Army Fort.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Maunsell Forts|Maunsell sea-fort]], {{convert|9|mi|km}} off the coast of Whitstable|alt=The view from a boat of a site containing six sea forts. The forts have an octagonal shape, with rusty metal walls and two rows of windows. Each fort is supported by four legs jutting from the sea at an angle.]] The town is a popular destination for watersport enthusiasts. Established in 1904, the Whitstable Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in England and takes part in local and national competitions throughout the year.<ref name="Whitstable Yacht Club">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Yacht Club | publisher = Whitstable Yacht Club | url = http://www.wyc.org.uk/ | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> Each year, the town hosts the International Waterski Championships.<ref name="guide">{{cite web | title = Canterbury Guide to Places to Stay | publisher = Resort-guide.co.uk | url = http://www.resort-guide.co.uk/pagedest.php3?destcode=42 |year=2005 | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> In May 2007, [[Whitstable Town F.C.|Whitstable Town Football Club]], based at the Belmont ground, won promotion from the [[Kent Football League|Kent League]] to the [[Isthmian League Division One South]].<ref name="wfc">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Town FC | publisher = Whitstable Town FC | url = http://www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk/ | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> Whitstable Rugby Football Club 1st XV also won promotion in 2007, to the London League. The club has a 2nd XV team which play in the East Kent League 2.<ref name="rugby">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Rugby Football Club | publisher = Whitstable Rugby Football Club | url = http://www.whitstablerugbyclub.co.uk/ | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> Whitstable has a council-owned swimming pool and sports centre with facilities for [[badminton]], [[5-a-side|5-a-side football]], [[volleyball]], [[cricket]] and [[tennis]].<ref name="Whitstable Sports Centre">{{cite web | title = Whitstable Sports Centre | publisher = Active Life Ltd. | url = http://www.activelifeltd.co.uk/charges.php | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> A 10-pin bowling centre is located next door to the swimming pool. There is also an outdoor basketball court at the Rec near the swimming pool. Windsurfing is common off the West Quay, usually at low tide in southwesterly winds. Kite surfing has become popular in recent years usually taking place east of the Harbour, due to its flat water conditions and exposure to the open sea. ===Local media=== The four local newspapers are the KM Group owned ''Whitstable Gazette'' and ''KM Extra'', YourCanterbury part of KOS Ltd., and the [[Northcliffe Media]]-owned ''Whitstable Times''.<ref>{{cite web | title = KM Publications | publisher = Kent Online | url = http://www.kentonline.co.uk/km/publications/ | access-date =14 April 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Regionals | url = http://www.trinitymirror.com/brands/regionals/southern/tms/ | access-date =14 April 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070127024633/http://www.trinitymirror.com/brands/regionals/southern/tms/ <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archive-date = 27 January 2007 }}</ref> During the 1960s, several [[Pirate radio in the United Kingdom|pirate radio stations]] broadcast from the nearby Shivering Sands and Red Sands offshore sea forts. These included Radio Invicta,<ref name="Bell pages 314-316">{{cite book| author-last= Bell | author-first= Robin| title= The History of British Rock and Roll: The Beat Boom 1963 – 1966| date= 15 February 2016| publisher = Robin Bell Books, Sweden | isbn= 978-9198191653}}</ref> KING Radio,<ref name="Bishop">{{cite book |last = Bishop |first = Gerry |title = Offshore Radio |publisher = Iceni Enterprises, Norwich |year = 1975 |isbn = 0-904603-00-8}}</ref> Radio Sutch (launched by [[Screaming Lord Sutch]]),<ref name= "Le Roi">{{cite web|last= Le Roi| first= Bob| url=http://www.bobleroi.co.uk/ScrapBook/SutchCityPics1/SutchCityPics1.html |title= Radio Sutch & City Pictures - Part 1 Issue : 9 | date= 15 August 2018| access-date= 19 September 2018}}</ref> [[Radio City (pirate radio station)|Radio City]],<ref name= NYT>{{cite web |url=http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/all-hail-sealand/ |title= All Hail Sealand |date= 20 March 2012 |publisher= [[The New York Times]] |last= Jacobs| first=Frank |access-date= 18 September 2018}}</ref> and [[Radio 390]].<ref name="Lister">{{cite book | author-last= Lister | author-first= Brian | title= Pirate Gold: The real story behind the offshore radio stations of the 1960s |publisher= Sound Concepts| date=2017| isbn=978-0-244-01718-7| edition= Kindle }}</ref> Whitstable has a local radio station in [[KMFM Canterbury]] which also serves Canterbury and Herne Bay. It was previously known as ''CTFM'', until it was taken over by the [[KM Group]] in September 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = kmfm | publisher = MediaUK.com | url = http://www.mediauk.com/radio/29 | access-date =14 April 2007 }}</ref> County-wide station [[Heart Kent]] (formerly Invicta FM) is based on the John Wilson business park in the town. [[Image:Old Neptune, Whitstable.jpg|right|thumb|The Old Neptune pub on Whitstable seafront]] ===Popular culture=== The playwright and novelist [[W. Somerset Maugham]] was sent to live with his uncle in Whitstable, at age 10, after the death of his parents.<ref name="maugham uncle">{{cite web | title = Somerset Maugham | publisher = Spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk | url = http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Jmaugham.htm | access-date =21 April 2007 }}</ref> His novels ''[[Of Human Bondage]]'' (1915) and ''[[Cakes and Ale]]'' (1930) are set in the fictional town of Blackstable. It is likely that he based this town on Whitstable, as the names and description of places around Blackstable, including The Duke of Cumberland Inn and Joy Lane, are identical to places around Whitstable.<ref name="maugham">{{cite news | title = Sea for sadness and solitude | work = The Telegraph | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/main.jhtml?xml=/property/2002/04/24/pwhitst.xml |date=24 April 2002 |access-date =19 April 2007 | location=London | first=Sarah | last=Lonsdale}}</ref> Whitstable is the hometown of the narrator, Nancy Astley, in [[Sarah Waters]]' 1998 novel ''[[Tipping the Velvet]]''.<ref name="velvet">{{cite web | title =Tipping the Velvet |publisher = Powell's Books | url = http://www.powells.com/biblio?show=TRADE%20PAPER:USED:9781573227889:10.50&page=excerpt | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref> Whitstable also featured in the [[Tipping the Velvet (TV series)|2002 BBC drama adaptation]].<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0324264/locations IMDB, Tipping the Velvet (2002), Filming Locations]</ref> The Old Neptune Pub on the seafront was used as a filming location for the 2006 movie ''[[Venus (2006 film)|Venus]]'', for which the actor [[Peter O'Toole]] earned an [[Academy Award]] nomination.<!-- blank page<ref name="venus">{{cite web | title = Venus and Whitstable | publisher = Kent Film Office | url = http://www.kent.gov.uk/enwiki/static/film-office/news/venus.html | access-date =19 April 2007 }}</ref>--><ref>{{cite web | title = Peter O'Toole, A winner in waiting | publisher = TheIrishWorld.com | url = http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=10&Article_Id=1911 | access-date = 5 June 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150509203608/http://www.theirishworld.com/article.asp?SubSection_Id=10&Article_Id=1911 | archive-date = 9 May 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> ==Notable people== * [[Hervey Alan]], operatic bass * [[Peter Cushing]], actor, lived in the town<ref>{{cite web | title = Peter Cushing | publisher = Canterbury City Council| url =http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=2411 |access-date =29 May 2007 }}</ref> * [[Alan Davies]], comedian * [[Brian Haw]], protester * [[Val Hennessy]], journalist * [[Dawn Steele]], Scottish actress * [[Harry Hill]], comedian, has his primary residence in the town * [[Matthew Holness]], comedian and actor (''[[Garth Marenghi's Darkplace]]'', ''[[Man to Man with Dean Learner]]'') * [[W. Somerset Maugham]] lived in Whitstable in his early years * [[Fiona Reid]], English-born Canadian actress * [[Paul Jewell]], Liverpool born [[Premier League]] English football manager * [[Violet Wood]] (1899–2012), formerly the oldest documented living person in the [[United Kingdom]], lived in the town.<ref>[http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/Margaret-112-the-oldest-person-in-Britain-has-died.htm]</ref> * [[Peter Shearing]], former professional footballer. percy soutar, professional big batty boy ==Twin towns== Whitstable is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with the following towns:<ref name="towns:">{{cite web|url=http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/cgi-bin/buildpage.pl?mysql=2264#f16|publisher=Canterbury City Council|title=Whitstable|access-date=11 May 2006}}</ref> * {{flagicon|France}} [[Dainville|Dainville, France]] * {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Borken, North Rhine-Westphalia|Borken, Germany]] * {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Říčany|Říčany, Czech Republic]] * {{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Albertslund|Albertslund, Denmark]] * {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Mölndal|Mölndal, Sweden]] Whitstable has friendship links with:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kent-life.co.uk/people/a-twinning-formula-local-life-1-1642403|publisher=Kent Life|title=A Twinning formula|access-date=20 February 2013}}</ref> * {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Grabow|Grabow, Germany]] * {{flagicon|Greenland}} [[Sisimiut|Sisimiut, Greenland]] * {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Bolków|Bolków, Poland]] * {{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Lviv|Lviv, Ukraine]] * {{flagicon|Scotland}} [[East Renfrewshire|East Renfrewshire, Scotland]] ==References== {{Portal|Kent}} {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{Wikivoyage|Whitstable}} {{commons category|Whitstable}} {{Canterbury}} {{Kent}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Whitstable| ]] [[Category:Towns in Kent]] [[Category:Seaside resorts in England]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Kent]] [[Category:Beaches of Kent]] [[Category:Unparished areas in Kent]] [[Category:City of Canterbury]]'