Whitstable Castle

In the 15th century there has been a actual need for alum, a mineral used specifically for fixing dyes in cloth in order that colorations did no longer run. Queen Elizabeth I gave a licence to search for deposits and a new website changed into found within the cliffs at Tankerton. The ensuing product became referred to as “copperas”. The first mine opened in 1588 and for 200 years the owners made a superb deal of cash from what became efficiently one of the international’s first chemical industries. A copperas residence was built on the site that is now the almshouse.

Other smelting works were built in which the bowling inexperienced is, and also by using the Harbour and at the web page of the Castle Tea Gardens, on Tower Hill. Following the neighborhood government re-corporation in 1972, the Castle remained empty until 1975 while at the instigation of The Whitstable Society the “Castle Centre Association” become created with the intention of the usage of The Castle for the benefit of the human beings of Whitstable.

The Committee & Trustees were liable for the indoors decoration, fixtures and ran the castle successfully without a assistance from Canterbury City Council, which as landlord maintained the outdoors of the building. In 2004 a brand new committee with its first Castle Co-ordinator started a complete interior improve and secured KCC ‘Approved Venue’ reputation for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. This introduced in much needed profits to regenerate the Castle and permit it to return to its unique position as a venue for family celebrations, predominant local activities and community sports.