Now dubbed Shoreditch-on-Sea by some, probably because of the numbers of creative types who are moving here to buy the pretty fishermen’s cottages in the town’s side streets, in the 17th century Deal was edgy in a different sense, being notorious for smugglers.
Passing through in September 1823, William Cobbett noted gloomily in his book Rural Rides: “Deal is a most villainous place. It is full of filthy-looking people… Everything seems upon the perish. I was glad to hurry along through it, and to leave its inns and public-houses to be occupied by the tarred, and trowsered.”
Today the popular town, with its Tudor castle built by Henry VIII on the outskirts, is a busy place and every year, the town council hosts a lively braderie along the High Street and adjoining streets.
This year’s event is on Sunday, September 17, from 8.30am-4pm.
Pitches are now sold out, but for further information contact Heather McAdam at Deal Town Council on 01304 361999.
