Goodwin Sands

Goodwin Sands, a famous shoal lying some five miles off the coast of Kent between Sandwich and Deal. It is 10 miles long, and from 1-1/2 to 3 miles in breadth. It was once an island, and formed part of the estate of Earl Godwine. From his son it was taken and given to St. Augustine's Abbey at Canterbury; and the story goes that the abbot of this house, instead of keeping the sea-wall in proper condition, spent the money which should have gone towards it on the building of Tenterden steeple. So when in 1099 the island was submerged by the waves, it was said that "Tenterden steeple was the cause of the Goodwin Sands." This tale is not, however, consistent with the facts of science. The Sands act as a breakwater to the waves of the Downs. Great part of then, is sometimes dry for hours, and quite firm; but when covered by the sea they shift. Many ships have been lost on them, and elaborate precautions are now taken to warn vessels. Four lightships, each painted red, the lights of which can be seen at a distance of 10 miles, are stationed round the shoal, and there are also nine buoys of various colours and shapes moored around. Gongs are sounded during a fog, and warning guns are fired at all times. Attempts have also been made to set up a lighthouse, but without any permanent success. Ships actually wrecked are succoured by life-boats from Ramsgate, Deal, Walmer, and Kingsdown, aided by small boats called "Hovellers' boats." Among the many catastrophes connected with the Goodwin Sands may be mentioned the following: - On the night of November 26, 1703, no less than thirteen men-of-war were lost during what is known as," the great storm," and an admiral and 1,200 men perished, only about 200 being rescued by the great exertions of the mayor of Deal. In 1805 the Aurora and 300 persons were submerged, and in 1814 the British Queen with all hands, went under. The last great loss on these sandbanks was that of the mail-steamer Violet in January, 1857.