Ramsgate
a watering place and seaport of Kent, England, on the Isle of Thanet; 72 miles E. by S. of London.
From a small fishing village it began to increase in importance during the 18th century through successful trade with Russia and the East country, and through the formation here (1750-1795) of a harbor of refuge for the Downs.
That harbor, 51 acres in extent, has a sea entrance 250 feet wide, is inclosed on the E. and W. by two piers 670 and 520 yards long. Among its special features are an obelisk marking the spot where George IV. in 1821 embarked for Hanover, a beautiful Roman Catholic church by the Pugins, a Benedictine monastery, college, and convent, and a Jewish synagogue and college erected by Sir Moses Montefiore, who, like the elder Pugin, was a resident. To the N. is Broadstairs, and to the W. Pegwell Bay, with Ebbsfleet, the landing place of St. Augustine, and also, traditionally, of Hengist and Horsa. Here, too, is Osengall Hill, RAND with an early Saxon cemetery. It was bombarded several times during the World War by German naval vessels.
Pop. about 30,000.
RANCÉ, ARMAND JEAN LE BOUTHILLIER DE, the founder of the reformed order of La Trappe; born in Paris, France, Jan. 9, 1626. He embraced the ecclesiastical profession, and held no fewer than six benefices. Residing at Paris, he gave himself up to a life of dissipation. In 1657, however, a marked change took place in his character. He demitted all his benefices except the priory of Boulogne and the abbey of La Trappe. Retiring to the latter place in 1664, he began those reforms which have rendered his name famous (see LA TRAPPE). He died in Soligny-la-Trappe, Orne, France, Oct. 12, 1700. وو