Illuminating the historical blazes that have shaped our town’s landscape and spirit. These fires, ranging from domestic hearths gone awry to industrial conflagrations, tell stories of resilience, community strength, and the unyielding bravery of Dover’s firefighters. Each account, meticulously researched and vividly presented, captures not just the flames but the human responses to these pivotal moments. Join us as we explore the fiery chapters of Dover’s past, each one a testament to the town’s enduring fortitude in the face of adversity.
“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 and save lives amidst chaos.” A fire broke out shortly before one o’clock in the…
“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 catastrophe in our bustling town.” January 1900.The Superintendent reported that an alarm of fire by…
“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 potential disaster in the heart of Dover.” April 1900.On Monday night about 11-10 a fire…
“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 event in our industrious town.” October 1900.A fire broke out in Mr. Adcock’s saw mills…
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 community stood witness to one of the most severe farm fires in recent memory.” December…
“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 unpredictable fury.” A fire broke out shortly after midnight on Friday night last in the…
“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.” Last night at 9-25 a fire broke out in the stokers room on board the…
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 with general cargo. October 1902.
“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 severe threat to our rural community.” On Sunday evening soon after 7 o’clock a fire…
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 the overheating of the blast furnace and some adjoining woodwork catching. Mr. S. Thomas and…