Echoes in Dover History: Stories and Legacies
Welcome to Dover History, compiled by Joyce and Brian Banks, which provides a captivating journey through the rich heritage and stories of Dover. Our website offers a deep dive into the iconic landmarks, fascinating tales, and historical moments shaping this remarkable port town. Whether exploring for education, curiosity, or inspiration, you’ll discover a treasure trove of content designed to bring history to life. Join us as we uncover the layers of Dover’s past and celebrate its enduring legacy.
Caught in the Act: Dover’s Historical Escapades & Shenanigans
Destructive Casual
William Harvey was charged with wilfully destroying his clothes at the Dover Union. Arthur Frazer the porter of the Dover Union said the prisoner was admitted to the casual ward on Thursday evening. Upon witness visiting him on the following…
Pitch and Toss
William Robins, Edward Wellard and Herbert Barton three lads charged with playing pitch and toss in Bowling Green lane on Sunday last were admonished and dismissed on paying the costs. Pitch and Toss a game in which coins are pitched…
Stealing a Skylark
Thomas Munn a boy fifteen years of age and belonging to Buckland was charged with stealing a skylark value 15s the property of James West of 1 Brookfield Cottages Buckland. Sarah West wife of James West living at 1 Brookfield…
Excise Information – Heavy Penalty
Robert Head the landlord of the Burlington Inn was charged with an infringement of the Customs Act by selling Cavendish tobacco that had neither been warehoused by the customs nor provided by the customs with the necessary customs wrapper. Mr…
Begging
John Foy a hoary headed mendicant who had been charged before the Magistrates a week before with begging was brought up by the officer of the Mendacity Society charged with a like offence on the previous day. It appeared that…
Started Early
Man and Woman drunk at 6.30 a.m. Mary Ann Young and George Frederick Hobbs were charged at the Police Court on Tuesday with being drunk and obstructing the footway in Beach Street. P.C. Hicks said that at 6.35. that morning…
Flames of History: The Fires of Dover Chronicles
Fire at the Saw Mills.
“A fiery spectacle erupted at Mr. Adcock’s saw mills, causing great excitement and fear. The Police Fire Brigade’s prompt intervention localized the blaze to the boiler house, showcasing their valor and skill in preventing what could have been a devastating…
Fire on a Channel Boat.
“Last night’s drama unfolded on the Empress, moored in Granville Dock, as fire engulfed the stokers’ room. The bravery of Police Constable Morris, alongside watchmen Lawrence, highlighted Dover’s readiness to face emergencies, even on the unpredictable waters of the Channel.”…
Fatal Fire at Dover
“In the early hours, Dover was awakened by a dreadful blaze at the Lord Nelson lodging house near Flying Horse Lane. The poorest of town found themselves engulfed in flames, the community rallying in desperate efforts to quench the inferno…
Four Houses Destroyed.
Great Fire at Tower Hamlets. On Tuesday just at noon a most destructive fire broke out at 45 Lowther Road Tower Hamlets causing the entire destruction of the of the interior of four houses and a good deal of damage…
Serious Fire At Guston.
Guston Court Farm Destroyed Exciting Scenes. “Guston Court Farm witnessed a grave calamity as a midnight fire ravaged its premises. The loft over the seed room became an inferno, leading to desperate efforts by Messrs. W. and E. Eastes. The…
Fire in Biggin Street.
“A late-night horror unfolded in April 1900 when smoke billowed from Mr. J Parton’s grocery shop on Biggin Street. The timely alert by Charles Foxley and the rapid response of the hose and ladder cart contained the blaze, averting a…
Grit and Gales: The Hardships of Dover’s History
St. Mary the Virgin settlement case book.
“St. Mary the Virgin’s Settlement Case Book of 1802 provides a fascinating insight into the legal and social intricacies of early 19th-century Dover. The cases, ranging from parish disputes to individual plights, reflect the complexity of life in Dover at…
ARRIVAL of CONVICTS.
1885. The first batch of tenants for the Convict Prison arrived at Dover on Monday afternoon reaching the Priory Station about 3’oclock. The convicts fifty in number were guarded by ten warders were hand-cuffed in couples and fastened together in…
TERRIBLE TRAM ACCIDENT.
Eleven Killed – Over Fifty Injured. Dover Express. August 1917. Sunday Afternoon – Terrible Scenes. On Sunday afternoon shortly before 3.30 Tram-car No. 20 proceeding to River ran away down the hill leading to Crabble from the London Road and,…
Various Notes of the Workhouse St. Mary’s Dover
January 24th 1802. At an assembly of the parishioners of the said parish in the vestry room pursuant to notice having been given as usual, for that purpose this day after evening service in order to take the following case…
Keith Gillman, Portrait of a Pilot.
Who was Keith Gillman? What sort of man was he? How exactly did he meet his death that day of August 25, 1940? And how was it that his picture was used so widely in wartime newspapers and magazines? These…
Killed while flying over Dover.
Dover Express. March 3rd 1916. It was at Dover that on February 27th this year, Lieut. H. Rosher was killed. The disaster happened on a Sunday morning, just before the sinking of the “Maloja” in the channel just outside Dover….
Pathways of the Past: Exploring the Streets of Dover:
Biggin Street and Biggin Gate
The ancient history of Biggin Street is mainly associated with the Maison Dieu at the one end, and Biggin Gate at the other, both built about the same period – in the early part of the 13th century,. Incidental references…
The Formation of Castle Street.
In April 1827 there appeared in the then Dover newspaper The Cinque Ports Herald. An advertisement which announced to builders and others that fourteen acres of very eligible building land would be let on lease the said land being known…
Historic Pubs of Dover: A Journey Through Time
Dive into the rich history of Dover’s pubs with this detailed exploration of the town’s historic taverns and inns. From the 16th century Adam and Eve to the uniquely named establishments like the Admiral Harvey and the Alhambra Music Hall,…
A Ballard of Dover Streets.
A Good Old Custom O YEZ! O YEZ! Good people all pray listen to my tale,‘Tis of a good custom which in Dover does prevail.When Christmas comes to brighten up the closing year,This custom is to make a show of…
Rambling around Dover
Dover to Hougham
Embark on a picturesque journey from Dover to Hougham, traversing the scenic landscapes that have captivated travellers for centuries. This path, rich in natural beauty and historical significance, leads from the bustling port of Dover to the tranquil village of…
Echoes of Dover’s Past: A Journey Through Historical Street Names
Dive into the rich tapestry of Dover’s history as we explore the origins and stories behind its street names. This exploration offers a unique window into the past, revealing how the city’s streets have been shaped by historical events, notable…
ALONG THE CLIFF WESTWARD.
Journey ‘Along the Cliff Westward’ and witness the breathtaking landscapes where nature and history converge along Dover’s coastline. This narrative takes you over the cliffs of Shakespeare and Roundown, offering majestic views that blend the awe of natural formations with…
Dover’s Diverse Chronicles: A Tapestry of Tales:
The Murder of George Roberts.
July 1941. The temple of dreams, that’s what they called all those Odeon’s, Ritz’s Regal’s, Palladiums and Queens. Such grand places, luxurious, where you could be whisked away to realms of fancy worlds of magic. At least that was how…
Astor School Nearing “Moving Day”
July 20th 1951. “Formidable Task” says Headmistress. Details of improved teaching facilities following on the removal of Astor County Secondary School into the new building at the end of term were given on Wednesday by Miss G. M. Jenkins the…
Vestry Minutes from St. Mary the Virgin, Dover, Kent.
The “Vestry Minutes from St. Mary the Virgin, Dover, Kent” page provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical parish records of St. Mary the Virgin in Dover. These minutes, spanning various dates from the 18th century, reveal the parish’s intricate…
