Mechanical Memories Magazine

Dreamland
MARGATE
Save Dreamland Update June 2012
Project Update
We are still awaiting the decision of the Compulsory Purchase Order inquiry, which is
expected July/ August. At this point, work can restart on the project, although we are
busy positioning ourselves so we are ready to go the moment the land is vested.
Sawdust Caesars
The Council's Heritage Advisor, Nick Dermott, agreed to contribute to this month's
Dreamland Trust newsletter. Nick has an expert knowledge of local events that took
place in Margate over the 1964 Whitsun weekend and describes below the scene
following the youth clashes.
Broadstairs & St Peter's Mail 20 th May 1964: youths and coppers outside Margate
Magistrates Court in Margate's Old Town vintage quarter:
"It is not likely that the air of this town has ever been polluted by the hordes of
hooligans, male and female, such as we have seen this weekend and of whom you are
an example.
"These long-haired, mentally unstable, petty little hoodlums, these sawdust Caesars
who can only find courage like rats, in hunting in packs, come to Margate with the
avowed intent of interfering with the life and property of its inhabitants.
"Insofar as the law gives us power, this court will not fail to use the prescribed
penalties. It will, perhaps, discourage you and others of your kidney who are infected
with this vicious virus, that you will go to prison for three months. "
The above, in full, are the words which Dr. George Simpson used when sentencing the
first of forty-four youths at Margate Magistrates in a specially convened court on
Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday 1964. The twenty-two year old was given the three
month sentence for threatening behaviour.
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