Böcker av Robert Turcan

The history of Deal has been shaped by its position on the extreme eastern coastline of Kent. Close to France, it was of such significant naval importance that Henry VIII chose to erect a castle here on the concentric circle plan. Revolutionary at the time, it is beautifully preserved today. Barracks were established here from 1861. This corps of the British Army was infamously bombed by the IRA in 1989, and the School of Music departed seven years later. Many literary references to Deal refer to its villainous populace, which was often associated with smuggling. Today, chic cafes, shops and holiday cottages reveal an atmosphere of quiet prosperity. Pepys' and Cobette's derogatory terms of 'pitiful' and 'detestable' are a world away from modern Deal. Instead, as the images collected here show, through time the town has become a hidden gem of idyllic existence.

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Cranbrook has changed and developed over the last century.

Broadstairs is rightly known as 'the jewel in Thanet's crown'. This most easterly, quintessentially English seaside resort exudes much charm. Its sandy beaches provide wonderful opportunities for family bathing. Late Regency and more predominantly Victorian or Edwardian buildings reflect growth following railway expansion. Historically, the town's name was linked to broad stairs which were cut into steep cliffs above its shoreline, leading to an ancient religious shrine. A fishing village with smuggling activities is all that existed in Georgian times. By 1815 it was here that the exultant news of victory at Waterloo first reached our country. Later in the nineteenth century Charles Dickens frequented the borough. There are two museums relating to his life and great works. Festivals marking his visits along with food ftes enliven summer gaiety. All these vivid scenes are pictured within this collection of scenes, past and present. They are a colourful illustration of how time has kindly preserved and simply enhanced this Kentish gem.

Sittingbourne's steady growth from mid-Victorian times began with the construction of a railway line linking London to east Kent port, bisecting the town. Sittingbourne was renowned for its brick and cement manufacture, although papermaking subsequently predominated the town's industry. Workers for these trades often moved from the countryside. Terraces of houses accommodating them arose either side of the main Watling Street thoroughfare. Economic growth continues apace today, with a far greater range of commercial enterprises. This fantastic selection of old postcards provides an interesting insight into mainly Edwardian times - a vital stage in this town's development. They are fascinating too because of their universal usage; as commonplace as emails, yet just as revolutionary in their heyday.

This is a vivid account of what their gods meant to the Romans from archaic times to late antiquity, and of the rites and rituals connected with them.