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The construction of Wellington Crescent, Ramsgate, began shortly after the end of the Napoleonic Wars as a speculative development by James Underdown (a smith), William Miller (a shipwright), James Smith (a builder) and Pilcher Longley (a carpenter). These four were responsible for the first houses to be built in 1817 and they then sold on the other plots for others to complete under a 'deed of stipulations' which ensured a consistent facade but a considerable level of flexibility on the constructions behind. Success was slow in coming and Underdown became bankrupt before it finally reached fruition.

Wellington Crescent was entered on the books as a “building” in 1819 but by 1824 only 17 were assessed for paying rates. Records show that all 29 houses were rated by 1830 so completion must have been between 1825 and 1830.