Windmill Hill named
for its erstwhile windmills, offers extensive views across the
Thames, and was a popular spot for Victorian visitors to the town,
because of the Camera obscura installed in the old mill and for its
tea gardens and other amusements. The hill was the site of a beacon
in 1377, which was instituted by Richard II, and still in use 200
years later at the time of the Spanish Armada, although the hill
was then known as "Rouge Hill". A modern beacon was erected and lit
during 1988, the 300th anniversary. It was during the reign of
Elizabeth I that the first windmill was placed on top the highest
point in Gravesend, 179 ft (55 m) above the high water mark of the
river. One mill burnt down in 1763, but was replaced the following
year and that too demolished in 1894. The last surviving windmill
was destroyed by fire during Mafeking Night celebrations in 1900.
During World War I A German airship passed over Windmill Hill and
dropped bombs on it. Today there are three markers indicating where
these bombs struck.
There's parking
available on Rouge Lane and there is a car park on top of the hill
but it is anyone's guess as to when it is open. You're looking for
a small snap lock tupperware type container with room for a few
small swaps.