Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Whitstable oyster fisheries

Monument Types

• SITE (Unknown date)
• OYSTER BEDS (Medieval to Modern - 1200 AD to 2050 AD)

Full description

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Organised oyster fisheries were probably established at Whitstable in the 13th century. 16th century accounts praise their excellence, claiming the fresh water flowing off the marshes between Whitstable and Faversham Creek as the cause. The Whitstable Fishery became a prosperous concern in the 19th century with the sale of oysters valued at £900,000. However in the late 19th century after a series of misfortunes the company had to be reconstructed by Parliamentary Bill. The oyster beds suffered through the two World Wars and severe winters in the 1960s have further restricted the industries, which however continue to operate. (1) Packing sheds, offices and workshops belonging to the Seasalter Oyster Co stand at the end of Whitstable Harbour pier. Built in 1865 and extended c1900 and in 1965. (2). Boundaries charted (3)(4)(5).

<1> Goodsall, Robert H, 1965, Oyster fisheries on the North Kent coast (Article in serial). SWX9334.

<2> Eve, D., 1999, A guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Kent, A36 (Monograph). SWX9293.

<3> 1910, Whitstable Oyster Fishery (Cartographic materials). SWX9340.

<4> 1725, Oyster fisheries dispute chart, 1725 (Chart). SWX9338.

<5> 1770, Oyster fisheries boundary dispute chart, 1770 (Chart). SWX9341.

Sources and further reading