Royal Military Canal, Kent

Historical Description

Military Canal, Royal, a canal in the S of Kent and Sussex, commencing on the coast at Sandgate in the vicinity of Folkestone, going westward past Hythe, Hurst, and Ruck-inge, and proceeding south-westward and south-south-west-ward past Appledore and Rye to Cliffe End. It was cut, in connection with the martello towers along the coast, during the great war with France; is 23 miles long, 90 feet wide, and 18 feet deep, and is defended by a parapet. The increased size of modern warships has rendered it practically useless.