a range of sandbanks lying about 4 or 5 miles off the east coast of Kent, between the North and South Forelands. They are about 10 miles in length from N. to S. and vary in breadth from 1½ to 3 miles. They are divided into two portions by a narrow channel, navigable by small boats. They are in many places dry at low water, and from their shifting and loose nature are very dangerous for shipping. Between them and the mainland is the roadstead termed the Downs. These sands are said to have at one time formed part of the Kentish land, and to have been submerged about the end of the reign of William Rufus, or the beginning of that of Henry I. Several light-vessels are fixed here as beacons; and during foggy weather gongs are sounded every ten minutes.