Downs

Downs, THE, a roadstead for shipping off the east coast of Kent, opposite Ramsgate and Deal, between North and South Foreland, and protected externally by the Goodwin Sands—a natural breakwater with 1 to 4 fathoms water, and often partly dry at low tide. This large natural harbour of refuge is 8 miles by 6, with an anchorage of 4 to 12 fathoms. It is unsafe only in south winds. The Small Downs, an appendage of the Downs proper, lies inside the Brake Sand, has from 2½ to 5 fathoms water, and is about 2 miles wide. The obstinate but indecisive battle of the Downs was fought in June 1666, between the English under Monk, and the Dutch under De Ruyter, De Witt, and Van Tromp. See also BLAKE (ROBERT).