Historic buildings throughout Ramsgate have been recognised in new listings protecting some of the country's most important cultural gems.

Nine places in the town have been added to the list by Historic England - the public body which works to preserve and celebrate the best examples in England.

A 1950s fountain, octagonal seafront news stand and unique 19th century wine merchants are all feature as new entries.

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The new listings - all given Grade II status - are:

• The Festival of Britain Fountain - built in 1951 on Victoria Parade, which is the last remaining of three built for the festival
• Victoria Gardens Kiosk - an octagonal structure built in around 1876 in a Gothic style and used as a ticket booth for visitors to the garden. In 1920 it was used to sell postcards and newspapers
• Gateway to the Barbers' Almshouses in Elms Avenue - endowed to the poor by Frances Barber, who was well respected in Ramsgate for her philanthropic work. The houses were built in 1899 and were home to 12 elderly people who received seven shillings per week
• Clarendon House at the Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School - the neo-Georgian school building was constructed between 1908 and 1909, costing £11,222, and was one of 700 built following the 1902 Education Act. It grew rapidly, becoming the largest public secondary school in Kent by 1921 and also has a network of tunnels underground used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War
• Natwest Bank in the High Street - construction started in 1910 and took around a year to complete. Inside the double-height banking hall features two original octagonal decorative plasterwork with fruit and foliage designs. A plaque commemorates bank staff killed during the First World War
• The former Gwyn and Co wine merchants in Queen Street - the high quality stone detail across the facade features decorative grapes and vines on the ground floor. A carving above a side door engraved with the detail '1778 JC 1898' commemorate the wine business establishing in Ramsgate by John Curling in 1778 sparked by the town's proximity to France and harbour
• Aberdeen House in Ellington Road - a purpose built former boarding school incorporating an unusual design integrating accommodation for staff and pupils meant the school was more like a home. The building was converted to a registry office in 1936 and is still in use today
• Augusta Villa in Bellevue Road - a neo-classical style house designed in around 1840 is still much unchanged from the original design and materials used when it was built
• Castle Cottage in Upper Dumpton Park Road - the cottage dates is believed to date back to the 17th century and is a rare example of the heritage of agricultural use of the land around the port of Ramsgate

The home of the town's first woman mayor - East Court in Brockenhurst Road - has been upgraded by Historic England to Grade II status.

Polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton was a frequent visitor to the house as the mayor, Dame Janet Stancomb-Wills, was one of his patrons.

Several sites in Ramsgate have also been relisted by Historic England to reinforce their historic significance.

The relisted buildings include the former fire station in Effingham Street, Granville Hotel, Royal Victoria Pavilion and the five Pulhmite structures on Albion Hill constructed between 1893 and 1936.

Ramsgate is classified as a Heritage Action Zone by Historic England which is a project aiming to join the town's maritime heritage and architecture with new investment and development.

Cllr Ash Ashbee, deputy leader of Thanet District Council, said: “Historic England research, as part of the Ramsgate Heritage Action Zone has really helped us to highlight the significance of Ramsgate's rich heritage.

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"This, alongside the training of local volunteers is beginning to make a real positive impact on the local community.

"The listing of these wonderful heritage assets provides a further boost. These places have all played a significant part in the history of Ramsgate and listing ensures that they will be protected and preserved.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of this area, our heritage assets and the stories around them are a vital ingredient in our appeal. It is great news not only for Ramsgate, but Thanet as a whole."

Duncan Wilson, Historic England chief executive, said: "Ramsgate, once a small fishing village, has a wonderfully rich and interesting maritime and seaside resort history that is woven into its buildings, streets and squares. We’re delighted to have been able to uncover and shine a light on these places through the work with our Heritage Action Zone partners."

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