The Downs, Kent

Historical Description

Downs, The, a roadstead off Deal, in Kent, inside the Goodwin Sands, named from the " dunes " or sandheaps of the Goodwins and the shore. It is 5 miles long and 4 wide, has good anchorage in from 6 to 10 fathoms of water, and is well sheltered on all sides except the south. An appendage, called the Small Downs, lies inside the Brake Sand towards Ramsgate, is about 2 miles wide, and has from 2½ to 5 fathoms water.