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
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…
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…
Assault At The Dover Union
Thomas Kavanagh an inmate of the Dover Union was charged with assaulting William Bowles another inmate. It appeared from Bowles’s evidence that Kavanagh being a Roman Catholic was permitted under the regulations of the guardians to leave the workhouse for…
Drunk and Disorderly
Benjamin Goodson was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Biggin Street. The Magistrates fined him 2s 6d and 6s costs of in default seven days imprisonment. He went to gaol. 1870.
Street Brawl
Johan Arhreus and Gustave Hayan a couple of German sailors and William Henry Tregurtha an English seaman were brought up by Police Constable Faith on a charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct and fighting in Union Street late on Saturday…
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…
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…
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 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…
Fire at St. Margarets.
“A barley stack at the heart of St. Margaret’s village became an unexpected beacon as fire broke out, drawing the Parish Fire Brigade into action. Captain Pay’s leadership and the team’s swift response averted what could have escalated into a…
Grit and Gales: The Hardships of Dover’s History
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…
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…
St. Mary’s Workhouse Day Book. 1829.
“St. Mary’s Workhouse Day Book of 1829 offers a rare glimpse into the daily workings of a Dover workhouse, revealing the ebb and flow of life within its walls. This ledger meticulously records the arrivals and departures, deaths, and daily…
Deaths St. Mary’s Workhouse 1801- 1803.
In the early 1800s, the ledger of St. Mary’s Workhouse in Dover chronicled the sombre reality of its inhabitants. This meticulous record paints a vivid picture of life and death within workhouse walls, listing names, ages, causes of death, and…
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…
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:
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…
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,…
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:
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…
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…
A Unique Collection Awaits Your Stories
We pride ourselves on offering a distinct perspective on Dover’s history, a tapestry woven from a unique collection of records meticulously gathered by Joyce and Brian Banks. Our website goes beyond mere dates and facts; it delves into the narrative…