Margate

Today began, after a breakfast with lots of choice, with a visit to Prittlewell Priory, started by the Cluniac Monks in the 13th Century . There is not much of the original 13th Century building left, just the cellar. Henry VIII destroyed most of the priory, then realised that it was worth something to sell. The Priory changed hands a number of times until the Victorian Scratton family bought it and eventually gave it to the Southend Council for the public to enjoy.

We had a 2 hour (actually a bit more with a number of roadworks), 80 mile or so drive to Margate, where we had booked for the night. As usual, we found something to look at, Tilbury Fort. It defended London’s seaward approach from Tudor times up to the second world war. It’s supposed to be the best example of a 17th century bastioned fort in England. This took a lot longer than we thought it would.

On to the fastest nav sat setting to get to Margate. So many roundabouts, so much merging traffic, so many changes of roads, so much variation of speeds. 70 mph for a long time, then 40 and at times we stopped and this was all on M roads (big blue roads).

We are now at Margate, in our “small hotel” with our grape juice, getting ready to find a pub for dinner. Tomorrow into Canterbury for the day, then Travelodge (at least we could book it at a good rate before we left home) for 2 nights. Tomorrow evening, hopefully catch up with Di, Barry and Co and looking forward to that.