Seal and/or Deal in Kent

I have become confused now after finding both Seal and Deal in Kent. Whoever thought of naming two so similar!

My paternal Allen ancestors originated apparently from Deal in Kent but some handwriting and comments for similar named ancestors from certain records appear to say Seal in Kent but I'm more drawn towards Deal due to the Forces link.

 

The names just probably evolved through usage. I don't think that there was a Geographical Names Board in those days.

 

Thanks Margery. Looking at the map Seal is inland Kent and Deal is coastal Kent. Some old script transcribed has resulted in Seal being recorded but I now know Sholden and other named areas are within the Deal section of Kent. And as I mentioned before my ancestors and living family were forces linked hence the Deal option. However, I'm not so blinkered as to not look at Seal.. You never know. Thanks again.

 

I don't know if you have ever stumbled upon this site about Deal obviously put together by somebody who has spent a great deal of time researching the area although it may be about earlier years than those you are interested in. As I have ancestors who worked for Trinity House although not in this area I enjoyed the accounts about the treacherous Goodwin Sands.