What's historical in your area?

[Dauphin]

I guess I could comment of Biggin Hill and it's role in WW2, but I can't be bothered at present. Instead, I will comment on West Kent Golf Club, which is where my dad is a member. One of the old boys there was telling us about golf during the war (when he was a wee lad). He'd say, "You think landing your ball in a bunker is bad, in our day the hazards were unexploded Luftwaffe bombs!". Or something like that.

I reckon, being an 8 year old at the time, that he used to go to the open course to watch the dogfights rather than play golf.

[Cort Haus]

My dad was evacuated out of London in WW2 to a village not far from Biggin Hill, from where he watched the dogfights.

[Dauphin]

Last ever civilian fatality due to enemy action in WW2 died in Orpington when a V2 landed on a house in Court Road.

[Cort Haus]

Originally posted by Dauphin
Last ever civilian fatality due to enemy action in WW2 died in Orpington when a V2 landed on a house in Court Road.

In the UK, you mean.

[Dauphin]

Yeah. I actually edited to say WW2 but not to say UK.

[molly bloom]

Originally posted by Dauphin
Famous 19th Century D's please.

Charles Montagu Doughty:

http://www.amazon.com/Travels-Arabia-Deserta-Vol-1/dp/0486238253

Another 19th Century bonkers Brit. explorer.

[GePap]

Well, I live in NYC, so...I will pick the most obvious choice from my immiate neighborhood:



Fort Washington was a fortified position on the northern heights of Manhattan Island. It was held by 2900 Continental Soldiers. On November 16, 1776 8000 British and Hessians under General Wilhelm von Knyphausen attacked the fort with support from Admiral Howes fleet on the river. It was a complete British victory and sealed the expulsion of American forces from the NYC area during the revolutionary war. In this battle Margaret Corbin became the first woman to fight for the Continental Army.

The actual fort stodd on what is today Bennet Park, which lies at the highest natural point on Manhattan island. The pictured rampart is actually in Fort Tryon park, about ten blocks north, though there is where the battle is commemorated on its anniverasy.

[Cort Haus]

That's in NYC?

Looks like fackin' sticksville to me.