Margate 591540 221339403 2008-06-24T02:31:15Z 90.208.4.74 /* Special */ {{otheruses}} {{infobox UK place| |country = England |static_image = [[Image:Margate beach.jpg|240px]] |static_image_caption=<small>Margate beach</small> |official_name= Margate |latitude= 51.3850 |longitude= 1.3838 |population = 57,008 |shire_district= [[Thanet (district)|Thanet]] |shire_county = [[Kent]] |region= South East England |constituency_westminster= [[North Thanet (UK Parliament constituency)|Thanet North]] |post_town= MARGATE |postcode_district =CT9 |postcode_area= CT |dial_code= 01843 |os_grid_reference= TR355705 |london_distance= 64.1&nbsp;mi&nbsp;(104&nbsp;km)&nbsp;[[Boxing the compass|W]] }} '''Margate''' is a [[seaside resort]] town within the [[Thanet (district)|Thanet district]] of East [[Kent]], [[England]]. It lies {{convert|38.1|mi|km|1}} east-northeast of [[Maidstone]], along the [[North and South Foreland|North Foreland]] of the [[coastline of the United Kingdom]]. Margate's history is closely tied to the sea; it was a "limb" of [[Dover]] in the ancient confederation of the [[Cinque Port]]s. ==History== {{main|History of Margate}} Margate was recorded as "Meregate" in 1264 and as "Margate" in 1299, but the spelling continued to vary into modern times. The name is thought to refer to a pool gate or gap in a cliff where pools of water are found, often allowing swimmers to jump in. The cliffs of the Isle of Thanet are composed of chalk, a fossil-bearing rock. The town's history is tied closely to the sea and it has a proud maritime tradition. Margate was a "limb" of Dover in the ancient confederation of the [[Cinque Port|Cinque ports]]. It was added to the confederation in the 15th century. Margate has been a leading seaside resort for at least 250&nbsp;years. Like its neighbour [[Ramsgate]], it has been a traditional holiday destination for Londoners drawn to its sandy beaches. Margate had a fine [[Victorian era]] pier which was destroyed by a violent storm in 1978. ===Margate railway station=== {{main|Margate railway station}} '''Margate railway station''' serves the town of [[Margate]] in [[Thanet]] in [[Kent]], [[England]]. Train services are provided by [[Southeastern (train operating company)|Southeastern Trains]]. ==Government== {{seealso|List of mayors of Margate}} Since 1983, the Member of Parliament for [[North Thanet]], covering northern [[Thanet]] and Herne Bay, has been the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] [[Roger Gale]]. At the [[United Kingdom general election, 2005|2005 General Election]], in North Thanet the Conservatives won a majority of 7,634 and 49.6% of the vote. [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] won 32.2% of the vote, [[Liberal Democrats]] 14.4% and [[United Kingdom Independence Party]] 3.9%.<ref>{{cite web | title = North Thanet | publisher = Guardian.co.uk | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/hoc/constituency/0,,-1183,00.html | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> Margate is within the Thanet [[Districts of England|local government district]]. The town contains the seven electoral [[Ward (politics)|wards]] of Margate Central, Cliftonville West, Cliftonville East, Westbrook, Garlinge, Dane Valley and Salmestone. These wards have seventeen of the fifty six seats on the [[Thanet District Council]]. As of the [[United Kingdom local elections, 2007|2007 Local Elections]], nine of those seats were held by the Conservatives, seven by Labour and one by an Independent.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2007 Election results | publisher = Thanet District Council | url = http://www.thanet.gov.uk/news/latest_press_releases/election_results_04-05-07.aspx | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> ==Geography== {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} Margate also consists of [[Cliftonville]], [[Garlinge]], [[Palm Bay, UK|Palm Bay]] and [[Westbrook]]. ==Demography== {| id="toc" style="float: right; margin-left: 2em; width: 40%; font-size: 90%;" cellspacing="3" !colspan="3"|'''Margate Compared''' |- |'''2001 UK Census'''||'''Margate'''||'''Thanet'''||'''England''' |- |Population||57,008||126,702||49,138,831 |- |Foreign born||5.8%||5.1%||9.2% |- |White||97%||98%||91% |- |Asian||1.2%||0.6%||4.6% |- |Black||0.5%||0.3%||2.3% |- |Christian||72%||74%||72% |- |Muslim||0.7%||0.5%||3.1% |- |Hindu||0.2%||0.2%||1.1% |- |No religion||17%||16%||15% |- |Over 65 years old||19%||22%||16% |- |Under 18 years old ||15%||21%||19% |} As of the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 UK census]], Margate had a population of 40,386.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web|title =Neighbourhood Statistics|publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> The [[ethnicity]] of the town was 97.1% [[White people|white]], 1.0% [[mixed race]], 0.5% [[Black people|black]], 0.8% [[Asia]]n, 0.6% [[Chinese people|Chinese]] or other ethnicity.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> The place of birth of residents was 94.2% United Kingdom, 0.9% [[Republic of Ireland]], 0.5% [[Germany]], 0.8% other [[Western Europe]] countries, 0.7% [[Africa]], 0.6% [[Eastern Europe]], 0.5% [[Far East]], 0.5% [[South Asia]], 0.5% [[Middle East]], 0.4% [[North America]] and 0.3% [[Oceania]].<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> Religion was recorded as 71.6% [[Christian]], 0.7% [[Muslim]], 0.2% [[Hindu]], 0.3% [[Buddhist]], 0.1% [[Sikh]] and 0.3% [[Jewish]]. 17.1% were recorded as having no religion, 0.3% had an alternative religion and 9.8% didn't state their religion.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. The age distribution was 6% aged 0-4&nbsp;years, 16% aged 5-15&nbsp;years, 5% aged 16-19&nbsp;years, 31% aged 20-44&nbsp;years, 23% aged 45-64&nbsp;years and 19% aged 65&nbsp;years and over.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> 11% of Margate residents had some kind of higher or professional qualification, compared to the national average of 20%.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> ==Education== ===Junior and infant=== * [[Palm Bay Primary School]]‎ * Drapers Mills Primary School * Garlinge Primary School[http://www.garlingeprimary.com/] * Holy Trinity and St John's CofE Primary School[http://www.holytrinitymargate.co.uk/] * Salmestone Primary School[http://www.salmestone.kent.sch.uk/] * St Gregory's Catholic Primary School ===Secondary modern and grammar=== * [[Hartsdown Technology College]] * [http://www.st-anthonys.kent.sch.uk/ St Anthony's School] ===Special=== * Farrow House School * Laleham Gap School * Royal School for Deaf Children ==Economy== As of the [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 UK census]], the economic activity of residents aged 16-74 was 33.8% in [[Full time|full-time]] employment, 11.8% in [[Part time|part-time]] employment, 8.0% [[self-employed]], 5.5% [[unemployed]], 2.2% [[student]]s with jobs, 3.9% students without jobs, 15.5% retired, 8.3% [[Homemaker|looking after home or family]], 7.9% permanently sick or [[disabled]] and 3.6% economically inactive for other reasons. The rate of unemployment in the town was considerably higher than the national rate of 3.4%.<ref name="Statistics.gov.uk">{{cite web | title = Neighbourhood Statistics | publisher = Statistics.gov.uk | url = http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadHome.do;jsessionid=ac1f930bce6a711447e60ba4446bb56c21648d42c51.e38PbNqOa3qRe38OaNeKahqMai1ynknvrkLOlQzNp65In0?bhcp=1 | accessdate = 2007-03-29 }}</ref> The industry of employment of residents was 17% retail, 16% health & [[social work]], 13% manufacturing, 9% construction, 8% real estate, 8% education, 7% transport & communications, 5% [[public administration]], 6% hotels & restaurants, 2% finance, 1% agriculture and 6% other community, social or personal services. Compared to national figures, the town had a relatively high number of workers in the construction, hotels & restaurants and health & social care industries and a relatively low number in real estate and finance. In more recent years, as tourists have travelled further afield, Margate's [[unemployment]] rate has become higher than much of the rest of southeast England. ==Tourism== [[Image:Margateclocktower.JPG|upright|thumb|The Clock Tower on Margate Seafront in honour of Queen Victoria]] For at least 250 years, the town has been a leading seaside resort in the UK, drawing [[Londoner]]s to its sandy beaches. It was the first resort to introduce [[bathing machines]] and deck chairs, in 1898.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} Like [[Brighton]] and [[Southend]] it was infamous for gang violence between [[Mod (lifestyle)|mod]]s and [[rockers]] in the 1960s. Margate faces major structural redevelopments and large inward investment. Its [[Dreamland Margate|Dreamland]] Amusement Park (featured in "[[The Jolly Boys' Outing]]" extended episode of the television series ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'') was threatened with closure because of the increase in value of the site. In 2003, one of the arcades on the seafront was destroyed by fire. This has created a new potential entrance point to the Dreamland site. In the following years, 2004&ndash;2006 it was announced that Dreamland (although somewhat reduced in its amusements) would reopen for three months of the summer; a pressure group has been formed to keep it in being. The group is anxious that the UK's oldest wooden [[roller coaster]], [[The Scenic Railway]], a Grade II [[Listed building|Listed]] and the third oldest in the world was sadly destroyed in a fire on April 7th 2008. It was planned that the Dreamland site will reopen as a heritage amusement park in the near future with the Scenic Railway at the centre. Classic rides from the defunct Southport amusement park have already been shipped in as well as parts of the now demolished Water Chute at [[Rhyl]]. More details on Dreamlands future can be obtained from The Dreamland Trust web site.Today the Dreamland roller coaster is one of only two early twentieth century scenic railways still remaining in the UK and the only other surviving UK scenic railway is located in [[Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach|Great Yarmouth]] and was built in 1932. If the Dreamland scenic railway is not rescued the Great Yarmouth coaster would then be the last of its kind in the country. The Margate roller coaster is an [[American Coaster Enthusiasts|ACE]] Coaster Classic.<ref>[http://www.aceonline.org/CoasterAwards/?type=1 ACE Coaster Classic Awards]</ref> Other attractions - [[Cliftonville]] next to Margate has a classic British [[Arnold Palmer]] seaside [[mini golf]] course. A controversial gallery, [[The Turner Contemporary]], has been proposed, as an alternative to Margate's traditional tourist trade, and when built it would have formed part of the harbour itself. Some critics, however, questioned the prudence of placing part of Britain's national art treasures in a spot that is exposed to the full fury of the [[North Sea]]. [[Thanet District Council]] have now moved the building from the harbour wall, to a plot of land adjacent to the harbour because of the spiralling costs for a sea born building. Work has a projected completion in 2009. The scheme had been supported by the artist [[Tracey Emin]], who was brought up in Margate. It is hoped the gallery will help regenerate the town in the same way [[St Ives, Cornwall|St Ives]] has benefited since the introduction of the [[Tate gallery]]. There are two notable theatres, the [[Theatre Royal]] in Addington Street - the second oldest theatre in the country - and the Tom Thumb Theatre, the second smallest in the country, in addition to the Winter Gardens. An annual jazz festival takes place during a weekend in July. [[Margate Museum]] in Market Place explores the town's seaside heritage in a range of exhibits and displays. The [[Shell Grotto, Margate|Shell Grotto]], which has walls and roof covered in elaborate decoration of over four million shells, covering 2000 square feet, in complex patterns, was rediscovered in 1835, but is of unknown age and origin. In addition there is a Tudor House in King Street. Margate features as a destination in [[Graham Swift]]'s novel ''[[Last Orders]]'' and the movie made version of it. Jack Dodds has asked to have his remains scattered at Margate. The book tells the tale of the drive to Margate and the memories evoked on the way. It also features at the start and as a recurrent theme in [[Iain Aitch]]'s travelogue ''[[A Fete Worse Than Death]]''. The author was born in the town. [[Image:Draper's mill.jpg|thumb|[[Draper's Mill, Margate|Draper's mill]]]] Draper's Mill is a [[smock mill]] built in 1845 by John Holman. It was working by wind until 1916 and by engine until the late 1930s. It was saved from demolition and is now restored and open to the public. ==Sports== *Margate Boxing Club *Margate Yacht Club. *[[Margate F.C.]] is one of the most famous football teams in non-league football. They play at [[Hartsdown Park]]. The club has played in the [[Conference National]], but they are currently aiming to gain promotion out of the [[Isthmian League Premier Division]]. *National beach volley ball competitions are often held on the main sands. ===Affiliations=== Margate is twinned with the following cities: *{{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Yalta|Yalta, Ukraine]] *{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Idar-Oberstein|Idar-Oberstein, Germany]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/ Tourist information] * [http://www.margatecivicsociety.org.uk Margate Civic Society] {{Thanet}} {{Kent}} [[Category:Seaside resorts in England]] [[Category:Towns in Kent]] [[Category:Cinque ports]] [[Category:Unreferenced Kent-related articles]] [[de:Margate (Kent)]] [[es:Margate]] [[fr:Margate]] [[nl:Margate]] [[pl:Margate]] [[ro:Margate]] [[simple:Margate]] [[sv:Margate]] [[fi:Margate]] [[vo:Margate]]