Birchington-on-Sea (Westcliffe Hotel)

[Chilis]

My gt. grandfather built some seaside bungalows in the early 1880s and was also the Manager of the Westcliffe Hotel, Birchington on Sea at the time and in 1887 lived at 4 The Tower Bungalows.

Does anyone have any pictures of the Hotel or The Tower Bungalows?  I know they are no longer in existence, having paid a brief visit to Birchington about 6 years ago.

I have two short descriptions taken from "Birchington on Sea" by Athol Mayhew, published 1881, but no pictures...

[domino]

Hi Chilis
Tried a few web sites...
www.thebirchingtonroundabout.co.uk  I couldn't get this one to work,but, you might have better luck
www.barecards.de
Also, on ebay: item number  624323200  has two old postcards....dont know if they have anything you are looking for.
Have you tried the local council offices?
good luck,,,,best wishes
Iris   

[domino]

Hi Chilis

[domino]

Hi Chilis
Had another thought.....try...
Thanet District Council
P O Box 9
Cecil Street
Margate
Kent CT9 1XZ
01843 577 000 if you live in U.K that is 

www.thanet.gov.uk
they may be able to put you in touch with local libraries in the Thanet area who holds documents etc; for Birchington
Iris.......

[casalguidi]

Yes, Margate library do have a good local studies collection as do most of the main Kent libraries:

Margate Library
Cecil Square
Margate
CT9 1RE

Tel: 01843 223626
Fax: 01843 293015

http://www.apps.kent.gov.uk/e&l/artslib/openingtimes/
http://www.familia.org.uk/services/england/kent_margate.html

There is also some limited information online at the following site ie. photographs/directories etc.. - try Birchington and Westgate-on-Sea for both properties/addresses:

http://www.hereshistorykent.org.uk/

Casalguidi

[Chilis]

Many thanks, Iris, for coming up with the suggestion of old postcards, as well as an introduction to ebay.  Do you think they will give you some commission?
Also the address for Thanet.

My thanks too to Casalguidi for the Margate Library contact info and the other sites.  All much appreciated.  In fact, I think I can say that this COMPLETES my request for help.  Brilliant.
Chilis

[domino]

Hi Chilis
No problems    ....as for ebay...I would probably end up paying them commission...LOL
Hope you find what you are looking for.
Best wishes.....Iris 

[Foad Family Kent]

Dear Chillis,

Would it be possible for you to tell me what was in the Birchington Book, sounds really interesting. I can ask at Margate Museum for you, see if they have any pictures. I could also trace him through the directories, at Tower Bungalows, and wherever else.
Suzannah

[Foad Family Kent]

Sorry to be a pain, looked for Tower Bungalows and one is still standing in Spencer Road, Grade II listed, was John Taylor your great grandfather?
Suzannah