Thanet is an area of Kent which was once an island before the Wantsum Channel was reclaimed in the Middle Ages. The three main towns in this district are Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Waterstones Thanet is located in an out-of-town shopping centre called Westwood Cross, which was built on the site of an old Edwardian hospital.
Another Time
In the morning, before arriving at the Waterstones we had been to Margate to look at the Antony Gormley artwork Another Time. Gormley is one of my favourite artists, and Another Time is one of a series of sculptures in various locations, based on Gormley himself. The figure reveals itself three hours before low tide.
Broadstairs
Later that day, we visited Broadstairs for lunch. The town has strong connections to the author Charles Dickens, who owned a house there. The character of Betsey Trotwood from David Copperfield was based on a friend of his who lived in the town. The animator and writer Oliver Postgate, who created some famous children’s TV shows for the BBC from the 1950s to the 80s, including Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine and The Clangers also lived in Broadstairs for many years before his death in 2008. His former home has a blue plaque and a Clangers mosaic on the front.
Below, clockwise from top left (all photos of Broadstairs). 1. Viking Bay. 2. A decorative street lamp. 3, 4 & 5. York Gate.
Janet's Adventures in Waterstones 