Windmill Hill, Kent

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Windmill Hill
Windmill Hill, Kent (Kent)
Windmill Hill, Kent

Windmill Hill shown within Kent
District Gravesham
Shire county Kent
Region South East
Constituent country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town Gravesend
Postcode district DA12
Dialling code 01474
Police Kent
Fire Kent
Ambulance South East Coast
European Parliament South East England
UK Parliament Gravesham
List of places: UKEnglandKent

Coordinates: 51°26′06″N 0°22′18″E / 51.434989, 0.371518

Windmill Hill, located in Gravesend, Kent, named for its erstwhile windmills, offers extensive views across the Thames, and was a popular spot for Victorian visitors to the town, because of the Camera obscura installed in the old mill and for its tea gardens and other amusements. The hill was the site of a beacon in 1377, which was instituted by Richard II, and still in use 200 years later at the time of the Spanish Armada, although the hill was then known as "Rouge Hill". A modern beacon was erected and lit during 1988, the 300th anniversary.

It was during the reign of Elizabeth I that the first windmill was placed on top the highest point in Gravesend, 179 ft (55 m) above the high water mark of the river. One mill burnt down in 1763, but was replaced the following year and that too demolished in 1894.[citation needed] The last surviving windmill was destroyed by fire during Mafeking Night celebrations in 1900.

During World War I A German airship passed over Windmill Hill and dropped bombs on it. Today there are three markers indicating where these bombs struck.

Windmill Hill is one of Graveshams 24 conservation area.[1] The 'Windmill Hill Association'[2] looks after matters related to the area and hold regular meetings and to discuss local issues.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Conservation, Gravesham Borough Council
  2. ^ List of specific and general consultation bodies, Gravesham Borough Council