On the Writer's Trail

The Isle of Thanet is known for its exceptional coastline and countryside. Scenery sculptured by the elements has seduced writers for centuries; some even taking up permanent residence. Picturesque villages and sandy bays, lined by the magnificent white cliffs, have provided writers with an abundance of inspiration and still do today. From Samuel Taylor Coleridge to Oliver Postgate, who died in Broadstairs in December 2008. You may already know that Charles Dickens wrote part of David Copperfield in his favourite holiday home Fort (Bleak) House in Broadstairs or that John Buchan received inspiration for his famous book The 39 Steps, while staying in North Foreland. However, there may be a few things you are not aware of: It is thought that the popular Christmas Carol, In the Bleak Midwinter, was written by the Poet Christina Rossetti, while standing on the railway bridge in Birchington or that Wilkie Collins wrote part of his novel The Moonstone, while he was high on opium or that Sir John Betjeman, whilst staying in Birchington, visited Margate and wrote a poem called Margate 1940, after German bombs had devastated the popular seaside town. I hope you enjoy following the writer's trail in East Kent.