Sandwich, Medieval market town in Dover, England
Sandwich is a medieval town in eastern England, now a few miles inland from the coast, surrounded by flat marshland and grazing fields. Narrow lanes wind through its center, flanked by timber-framed buildings and wall fragments that recall the time when the River Stour was still navigable.
During the Middle Ages the town served as an important harbor and member of the Cinque Ports, an alliance of coastal settlements with military and trade privileges. The silting of the Wantsum Channel from the 16th century onward ended its maritime role, and the town gradually turned inward.
The name comes from Old English "Sandwic," meaning a sandy harbor, reflecting its position before the coast moved. Today the merchant houses and churches shape daily life, while local markets continue to animate the town center.
A marked town trail links churches, gates, and wall sections that are easy to reach on foot. Parking is available at the edge of the center, making it simple to explore the historic core without difficulty.
The Guildhall Museum holds original copies of the Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest from the 13th century. These documents were sent to London by local officials in the 17th century and later returned.
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