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 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…
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…
Un-Lady Like Conduct
Mary Skinning a young lady in a hat and feathers and a cloud was summoned for assaulting Mary Ann Scott. The complainant said she lived in Oxenden Street. On Friday afternoon she went into the Pimlico Tavern to refresh herself…
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…
A Foolish Theft.
James David Beatty was charged at the Police Court on Monday with stealing one bushel of onions value 4/7 from a cart in the Market Square. James Morris Laslett a market gardener living at Worth said that on Friday he…
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…
Flames of History: The Fires of Dover Chronicles
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…
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…
Fatal Fire near Dover.
“Tragedy struck Little Farthingloe Farm, two miles from Dover, with a fire claiming the life of labourer Terry and four horses. The stable’s destruction underlines the ever-present danger our agricultural community faces, reminding us of the relentless battle against nature’s…
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 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
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….
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Rambling around Dover
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…
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…
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:
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…
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…
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…
