Reculver

The interesting part of Reculver today is just the ruins of an old church, but back in Roman times it was an important fort, guarding the northern entrance to the Wantsum Channel, which at one time separated the tiny island of Thanet from the British "mainland". The channel is long gone, a victim of silting and drainage but two thousand years ago it was of interest to control it. Hence Reculver and hence Rutupia/Richborough, where I was yesterday.

As with Rutupia, the military fort was much larger than what you can see today. Much of the field has been claimed by the North Sea, but you can perhaps let your imagination run and consider how it might have looked once. I certainly did. The Saxons used much of the rock from the Roman fort to build a stone church which was actually in use till the early part of the 1800s, but by then the sea was getting uncomfortably close, so they tore down most of it. What they left is what you can see today.

All pics here.

The spires are still a nice sight. They actually left them standing to guide ships.


Three illegible headstones. Spin your own tales.


The spires photographed through the back wall.


This was where the center of the Roman fort once stood.


This caravan park was once the sea.


Wednesday was international "talk like a pirate" day. Maybe some local was inspired?