Cassells Gazetteer of England and Wales 1894 is not a useful resource in terms of the people of Whitstable as it names few, but it does give us a description of the town which includes some items that other gazetteers do not mention.
In this respect it is useful in dating certain additions to the town or changes that may have taken place since previous recordings were made.
Whitstable, parish and seaport and watering-place on the bay of the same name, E.Kent, 6 N. of Canterbury: ac 3,598 and 564 water.
Whitstable and Seasalter (q.v.) include what was formerly known as the "Borough of Harwich," but its boundary is said to be now unrecognizable.
Whitstable is remarkable for its oyster fishery, the produce of which is highly esteemed; beside the natives grown here spat from other districts is laid in these beds to mature; this fishery is under the control and management of the Incorporated Company of Dredgers. A fleet of smacks is employed in carrying oysters to London and in dredging. The trade of the town arising both from its fishery and coal trade is considerable, and it has a good harbour, the property of the South-Eastern Railway Company.
The Church of All Saints, situated on an elevated spot in the hamlet of Church Street, at a distance from the town is Dec. and Perp.; on the south side of the entrance to the chancel are traces of the road door and steps; in the nave is a brass inscription dated 1449, and there is another to Joanne, wife of Christopher Govlsonn and afterwards of Thomas Gold (d.1629). There are also Congregational, Baptist and Primitive Methodist chapels.
The Whitstable Institute, for the promotion of literature, science and art, was established in 1864; in 1865 a museum containing a carefully arranged collection of specimens, illustrative of zoology, botany, geology and archaeology, was added and a marine aquarium formed; there is a circulating library in connection with the Institute.
The almshouses (1873) consist of six dwellings, occupied by eight single woman and four married couples. Before the depreciation in the value of land the charities of the parish amounted to over £400 yearly.
In dredging for oysters round the Pudding Pan sand much Roman pottery has been found; this ware probably formed the cargo of vessels from Italy bringing merchandise for the use of the Roman colony in Britain, but which were wrecked near the coast, as no traces of Roman occupation have been met with on this coast.
Tankerton Castle is a handsome structure standing in extensive grounds beautifully wooded to the edge of the cliff; a company has been formed to develop for building the seaside portion of this property, which has a sea frontage nearly a mile in length. The pier, constructed in 1894, is approached by winding paths down the cliff.
Whitstable. Miles from London 59. Population 4,828.