Sign inPhotographer not known, c. 1930
The children in this image are looking at and discussing the capstans anchored to the shore at Deal in Kent (as well as at the photographer). Boatmen used capstans to haul their boats up beaches beyond the range of the tides. Traditionally, the boats on the Deal shoreline were locally-built ‘luggers’ – clinker-built boats with three masts.
Deal, one of the Cinque Ports, is close to the notorious Goodwin Sands, which meant this stretch the coast was a place both for shelter and of danger for ships. Ships would wait off the coast for a ‘good wind’ and, during this time, the Deal boatmen would row out to provision the waiting crews.
Student focus
- Draw and annotate a diagram showing how capstans were powered in the late 19th century. Describe how capstans are powered now. An internet search will help you discover what happened to the Deal capstans.
- Investigate the Cinque Ports website then, in your own words, explain the role of Deal and other ports in the south east played in military history.
- Compare an historical image of Deal (e.g. Skardon’s World) with an image of the shoreline today (e.g. Kent News).
Current OS Explorer Sheet: 138
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The photographer is not currently known, any information would be gratefully received. Please email info@geography.org.uk.