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
A Bad Start.
At the Dover Police Court on Friday before the Mayor (in the chair) Mr F. G. Wright Mr J. W. Bussey and Mr E. Chitty. William Edward Dobson, 4 Churchill Street a bath-chair attendant was charged with being drunk and…
Stealing Bacon
Mary Pilcher was charged with stealing a piece of bacon to the value 2s 6d from the shop of Mr Rubie of Biggin Street. Police Sergeant Barton said he was sent for on Saturday evening by one of Mr Rubie’s…
Assaulting the Police.
Messrs P. W. J. Mackenzie (in the chair) and W. Bradley. George Jarrett a hawker of no fixed abode was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Adrian Street, there was a further charge against him…
Wanted to Fight.
At the Dover Police Court on Monday Edward Jordon labourer of 6 Clarendon Place was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language on New Bridge. P.C. Booth said at 6.15 p.m. on Saturday he saw the prisoner…
Interrupting A Performance
Leonard George a young man of good address who bowed politely to the magistrates on being placed in the dock was charged with being drunk and disorderly at the Apollonian Hall and interrupting the performance of the Christy Minstrels on…
A Rough Customer.
Before the Mayor (Mr W. Emden) and other Magistrates at the Dover Police Court on Monday George Truman labourer was charged with being drunk and committing a nuisance in Maison Dieu Place on Saturday evening. P.C. Harman in proving the…
Flames of History: The Fires of Dover Chronicles
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…
Fire at Limekiln Street.
“January 1900 brought alarm to Limekiln Street, where Mr. Cummings’ residence fell victim to a sudden fire. Swift action by the local brigade, aided by the hose reel from Elizabeth Street, quelled the flames by 3:35 a.m., preventing a larger…
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…
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…
Steamer on Fire.
Yesterday morning the S. S. City of Berlin anchored in Dover Bay close to the Prince of Wales Pier and reported it was on fire and required medical assistance. The City of Berlin of Dublin was from Hamburg to Belfast…
Fire at the Iron Foundry.
On Monday evening at 9 o’clock a fire broke out in one of the workshops of Messrs. A. L. Thomas and Son Ltd. Iron Foundry Charlton. Police Constable Cooney received the alarm and found that the fire had originated through…
Grit and Gales: The Hardships of Dover’s History
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…
Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital, near Dover, was built for Lepers. In the reign of King Stephen and about the year 1152, a hospital was erected near Dover, either by Osborne and Godwin, five monks belonging to the priory of Saint Martin,…
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…
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…
P&O Liner ‘Maloja’ Sunk off Dover.
Terrible Sunday Morning Disaster. 155 Drowned. Inquest on 58 Bodies at Dover. On Sunday morning at 10.30 the inhabitants of Dover heard a loud report, like that of a heavy gun. Those who were in view of the sea saw…
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…
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,…
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…
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
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 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…
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…
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…
King’s for A Penny Drink
Chapter One: Granny’s Attic. It’s wartime and Dover has been nicknamed “Hellfire Corner” on account of its front line position. Even so some things don’t change like the raucous calling of the seagulls and the robust sound of a honky-tonk…
