SWNS_SANDWICH_DEBT_1-2

View of the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent where an old document has been discovered that shows that a royal promise made 450 years ago to dredge the river. See SWNS story SWQUEEN; A royal promise made in Sandwich almost 450 years ago has yet to be honoured, but the current monarch has politely refused to be drawn on the ‘debt’ – estimated at £8 billion. In 1572, Queen Elizabeth I agreed to pay for dredging the River Stour, but the money never materialised. The paperwork outlining the historic agreement was unearthed by Haven Cafe’s Breakfast Club in Sandwich in December last year, who decided to take up the cause. Members wrote to Her Majesty, asking if there was any word yet on the money.