Dreamland Margate

Dreamland Margate is an amusement park, entertainment and amusement centre located in Margate, Kent, England. The site of the park was first used for amusement rides in 1880, although the Dreamland name was not used until 1920 when the park's Grade II* listed Scenic Railway wooden rollercoaster was opened.

The number of amusements at the park increased during the 1960s and 1970s, and in 1981 the site was sold to the Benbom brothers, who renamed it "Benbom Brothers White Knuckle Theme Park". The name remained until it reverted to Dreamland in 1990.

In the early 2000s, the park began to enter into decline, and a number of rides were sold to other theme parks. The park's owner announced in 2003 that Dreamland would be closed and the site redeveloped, although the listing of the Scenic Railway meant it could not be moved. Public support and a government report led to the site being sold to Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company in 2005. A number of residents launched a campaign to restore the site, although Dreamland subsequently closed in the same year. The site fell into a state of disrepair and was subject to a series of arson attacks, one of which significantly damaged the Scenic Railway.

Margate

Coordinates: 51°23′06″N 1°23′02″E / 51.3850°N 1.3838°E / 51.3850; 1.3838

Margate is a seaside town in the district of Thanet in Kent, England. It lies 38.1 miles (61.3 km) east-north-east of Maidstone, on the coast along the North Foreland and contains the areas of Cliftonville, Garlinge, Palm Bay and Westbrook.

History

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 ports. It was added to the confederation in the 15th century. Margate has been a leading seaside resort for at least 250 years. Like its neighbour Ramsgate, it has been a traditional holiday destination for Londoners drawn to its sandy beaches. Margate had a Victorian pier which was largely destroyed by a storm in 1978.

Margate (disambiguation)

Margate can refer to the following locations:

Other

Margate (song)

"Margate" is a song by off of the album Joblot by Chas & Dave. It was released as a single on 11 July 1982 and entered the UK Singles Chart at #67. The song stayed in the charts for 4 weeks and peaked at #46 on 24 July 1982.

See also

References