Sandwich Kent England UK: Richborough Fort & Port
In Roman times Richborough was a major fort for the invading army, but during the 1st and 2nd World Wars in the 20th Century, Richborough played its part in the defence of Britain.
Richborough Roman Fort
Richborough, known as Rutupiae, was the Gateway to Britain, long before Dover. It is here that the 4 invading Legions under Aulus Plautius assembled after landing in Britain during the Claudian Invasion of A.D. 43.
Watling Street leaves by its West Gate and leads straight to Canterbury and London and North-Westward to Chester.
As well as the fort & the museum, there are frequent events staged at the fort.
Richborough Port
In 1914 - 1918, a major military supply depot and port was established at Richborough near Sandwich. Tens of thousands of tons of stores passed through. One of the first in the world 'roll on roll off' or 'ro-ro' train ferries was used.
During 1942 The old military depot was occupied by HMS Robertson marine base and parts of the Mulberry harbour built for D-Day.
A ceremony was held in Sandwich and at Richborough with the band of the Royal Engineers marching in full dress uniform, on 3rd April 2004 when the Royal Engineers were given the freedom of the town.
Information from the Sandwich History Society publications & archives - Photo of Richborough Fort © Open Sandwich
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