In 1699, Deal appealed for a charter of incorporation to free it from the jurisdiction of Sandwich and enable it to elect its own mayor, council and appoint its own officials. The petitioners introduced the appeal thus, "the town of Deale hath not been built above 70 years and the greater part of it within 20 years past, and hath now about three thousand inhabitants and those daily increasing..."
The appeal was successful and King William III signed the Charter of Incorporation on October 13th 1699. The Charter was delivered by cover of night and granted Deal the status of 'borough and market town' and uniquely specified that the town's seal should show the arms of the Cinque Ports. The Borough of Deal flourished and for a while became the most important port in the country.
Following the Local Government Act of 1972, the Borough of Deal was incorporated into Dover District Council on the 1st April 1974. The incorporation was met with bitter rows and controversy from both Deal and Sandwich.
In many ways present day Deal compares with the consensus of opinion that was abundant in 1699. The population is increasing, the town is flourishing and yet we have very little jurisdiction. We are governed by Dover, a Dover Council and a Dover Member of Parliament. Important decisions on housing, infrastructure and services for Deal, Walmer and the surrounding villages are made miles away often without transparency or participation in decision-making. Often we question the equality for Deal and Sandwich within a council for Dover. Diminished powers within Deal Town Council and Walmer Parish Council have reduced their effectiveness. In particular, Deal Town Council appears detached and often controversially at odds with those it serves.
Is it not time to appeal once again, is it not time for democracy in Deal?
