Discover the Rich History of the Isle of Thanet
Starting right here in Broadstairs – your perfect base at St Augustine’s apartments (Granville Apartment, CT10 1QB). The Isle of Thanet (home to Broadstairs, Ramsgate & Margate) has welcomed Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, saints and royalty for over 1,500 years. Scan the QR codes around the property for instant audio guides or deeper dives.
1. St Augustine & the Birth of Christian England (AD 597)
In 597 AD, a humble Italian monk named Augustine (later St Augustine of Canterbury) landed on the shores of the Isle of Thanet with 40 companions. Sent by Pope Gregory the Great, his mission was to bring Christianity back to Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire.
He stepped ashore near Ebbsfleet (close to today’s Pegwell Bay and Ramsgate), met King Æthelberht of Kent (whose Christian wife Bertha had prepared the way), and began the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Within a year he founded Britain’s second great monastery in Canterbury.
Why it matters to you: Your apartment building is named after this pivotal saint. You’re staying on the very coast where England’s Christian story began.
- St Augustine’s Cross (Victorian monument) marks the legendary meeting spot – a short drive or bus ride away.
- The Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate continues the legacy today.
2. Viking Bay – Why the Name & the Golden Eagle Connection
Broadstairs’ most famous beach wasn’t always called Viking Bay. It used to be known simply as Main Bay or Central Bay.
In 1949, to mark the 1,500th anniversary of the legendary Anglo-Saxon brothers Hengist and Horsa landing in Thanet (AD 449), the Danish government sailed a full-size replica Viking longship called Hugin across the North Sea. It landed dramatically on Broadstairs beach in front of huge crowds – and the bay was renamed Viking Bay forever.
The Golden Eagle link: In 1815, the first news of Wellington’s victory at Waterloo reached Britain when captured French Imperial Eagles (Napoleon’s golden battle standards) were brought ashore right here in Broadstairs. A replica of one of these famous “Golden Eagles” still watches over Viking Bay today from Eagle House.
Today it’s the heart of Broadstairs – golden sand, beach huts, and the perfect spot for your morning coffee with a view of history.
3. Ramsgate & Pugin’s Masterpiece – St Augustine’s Church
Just a few miles south in Ramsgate stands one of Britain’s most beautiful Gothic churches – St Augustine’s Church & Shrine, designed and built by the legendary architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.
Pugin (1812–1852) is best known for designing the interiors of the Houses of Parliament in London (the famous clock tower, wallpaper, tiles, and throne). He moved to Ramsgate, built his dream home “The Grange” next door, and poured his own money into this church as his personal “ideal” Catholic church. He is buried here beneath an effigy carved by his son.
The church is now a thriving shrine to St Augustine and a National Pugin Centre – a stunning blend of faith, architecture, and history.
How to Get There from Your Apartment (CT10 1QB)
All distances measured from St Augustine’s / Granville Apartment, Granville Road, Broadstairs CT10 1QB.
| Destination | Walking | Bus / Local Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Viking Bay beach (right outside!) | 5–8 minutes (0.3 miles) | Not needed – you can see it from the windows |
| St Augustine’s Cross (Ebbsfleet landing site) | 45–55 minutes (2.5 miles via coastal path) | Bus 38 or Loop → 15–20 minutes |
| St Augustine’s Church & Shrine, Ramsgate (Pugin’s masterpiece) | 50–65 minutes (3 miles along the coast) | Bus 38 or 39 → 12–18 minutes Or train Broadstairs → Ramsgate (5 min) + 10-min walk |
Pro tip: Download the free Thanet bus app or use Stagecoach for real-time times. Many guests love the scenic Viking Coastal Trail walk between Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Ready to explore? Grab your apartment key, scan the QR code on the coffee table, and step straight into 1,500 years of history. Welcome to the Isle of Thanet – where every beach has a story.