www.fortifications.org Summer 2005 Sandwich is one of the finest historic towns in England and has a higher density of listed buildings than any other town in the country, with many fine timber-framed houses. Established in the Anglo-Saxon period, Sandwich quickly became a major trading settlement with overseas contacts and a thriving port, mainly for the export of wool. One of the five original Cinque Ports, it played an important role in the Middle Ages. The port had always been vulnerable to seaborne raiding parties by sea and the Vikings raided the town regularly between the 9th and 11th century. By the 14th century foreign trade in Sandwich declined, partly due to the silting up of the harbour. Cloth trade, however, continued with the settlement of Dutch weavers and market gardeners. The strong town walls, mostly dating from the 13th and 15th century, were not able to protect the town from the French who ransacked it in 1457. Many of the buildings date from the reconstruction of the town. Trail length: 2.6 km Other available leaflets Kent: Canterbury, Dover, Rochester, Sandwich, Tonbridge, Hythe, Battle of Britain. Nord-Pas de Calais: Bergues, Boulogne, Calais, Cassel, Gravelines, Montreuil. West-Vlaanderen: Leper, Lo, Menen, Nieuwpoort, Oostende, Veurne. HOW TO GET THERE Car: Sandwich is 15 - 20 minutes drive from Canterbury and Dover, and 1 1 ⁄ 2 -2 hours from London. Rail: The train station is situated to the south of the town, outside the walls, 10-15 minutes from the town centre. Bus: There are regular buses from Canterbury to Sandwich. The main bus stop is at the Cattle Market (Guildhall). For more information contact the Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall, Sandwich CT16 1JA. Tel/fax: 01304 613565. E-mail: [email protected] or the website: www.sandwichtowncouncil.co.uk Every effort has been made to ensure that all information given in this pack is correct as the time of going to press (Summer 2005). No liability can be accepted by the authors for any loss, damage or injury caused by errors or omissions in this wording. OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST. The Roman castle of Richborough (Rutupiae), 2 miles north of Sandwich, was the port of entry to England. Impressive walls dating from the 3rd century surround the site on three sides, parts of which can be seen from the wharf. All parts of the fort are accessed via uneven ground, steps and banks which may present some difficulties. Call 01304 612013 or go to www.english- heritage.org.uk for more information. Sandwich Accessible Heritage Trails Sandwich www.fortifications.org This leaflet is available in alternative formats. Please telephone: 08458 247 600