History is all around us, most of the time we just walk past it until something catches our eye.
In the south east, where I live, the past surrounds us so much we take it for granted and don’t even see it.
For example off the north kent coast is the test bed for the Bouncing Bomb. A statue of Barnes Wallis looks out to the test area. I’ve walked, cycled and driven past this statue so many times I no longer see it.
Further East on the A299 is Reculver, a settlement from the stone age and the site of an ancient monastery.
Follow the A299 East passed the pill boxes, taking enough turns you will eventually pass Manston Airport and arrive in Ramsgate.
Ramsgate, more specifically the Ramsgate Tunnels, was to be a family day out a few weeks ago.
The tunnels opened in 1863 have been in and out of use since first opening. To find out more we booked a tour and had a walkround.
From railway line to closure, to reopening as a scenic railway to take seaside visitors from the main station to the beach, to a bitter battle with the Government by the local Mayor to construct further tunnels to protect the residents from bombing raids, the tunnels have have a varied history.
The tunnels were a successful air raid shelter, during a World War One air raid 29 bombs were dropped on Ramsgate killing 29 residents and wounding 6. With no air raid shelters.
During World War Two, 500 bombs were dropped over Ramsgate killing 29 residents.
The tunnels became a home from home for the residents of Ramsgate.

It was a very humbling experience walking through the tunnels seeing the graffiti from over the years. The tour guide was very informative and friendly.
The tour is well worth going on and for £5.00 per person it’s a bargain.
I hope the tunnels are able to be open for a long time to come, the plans for the tunnels sound really exciting and I would love to go back and see more and more of the history under our feet.
For more information and booking here’s the address:
http://www.ramsgatetunnels.org
Here’s a few photos, apologies for the lack of photos I was caught up in the tour!



Thanks for reading.
J