North and South Foreland

The North Foreland and South Foreland are two chalk headlands on the Kent coast of southern England, overlooking the Strait of Dover. The North Foreland forms the eastern projection of the Isle of Thanet, and the South Foreland is 5 km (3 miles) northeast of Dover. Both present bold cliffs to the sea, and command beautiful views over the strait. On the North Foreland (51°221′N 1°27′E) there is a lighthouse, and on the South Foreland (51°52′N 1°23′E) there are two.

The South Foreland is the geological counterpart of Cap Blanc Nez, at the northern extremity of the Boulonnais in the French département of Pas-de-Calais. The two are the respective landward ends of the Strait of Dover land bridge and their chalk geological stratum dictates the route of the Channel Tunnel.

Two naval battles of the Anglo-Dutch Wars are called the Battle of the North Foreland after the cape:

• The Battle of the Gabbard, June 12 to June 14, 1653, in the First Anglo-Dutch War.
• The St. James's Day Battle, August 4 to August 5, 1666, in the Second Anglo-Dutch War.