Scheduled MonumentsEnglandRoyal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge

Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge

England
List entry 1005492
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

The Royal Military Canal between West Hythe Dam and West Hythe Bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument comprising a defensive waterway constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically between 1804 and 1806. Built as part of a wider system of coastal fortifications designed to protect against potential French invasion, the canal runs approximately 28 miles along the Kent and Sussex coastline and represents a significant example of early nineteenth-century military engineering. This section maintains the characteristic features of the original construction, including its water-filled ditch with accompanying earthen banks, which formerly served as an anti-tank obstacle and supported artillery positions. The canal remains substantially intact and continues to function as both a historical monument and an important wetland habitat within the Kent landscape.

Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1005492. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge?

The Royal Military Canal between West Hythe Dam and West Hythe Bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument comprising a defensive waterway constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically between 1804 and 1806. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1005492.

Who is responsible for protecting Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge?

Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1005492.

What other scheduled monuments are near Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Dam to West Hythe Bridge?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Early medieval flood defence at Botolph's Bridge, West Hythe (0.8 km), Royal Military Canal, West Hythe Bridge to Scanlon's Bridge (1.6 km), Dymchurch Redoubt (2.2 km).

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