In “Grit and Gales: The Hardships of Dover’s History,” we delve into the tales of struggle and adversity that have left an indelible mark on Dover’s legacy. This section sheds light on the darker chapters of our town’s past, from the plight of the less fortunate to the resilience shown during times of trial. These stories are not just of sorrow and challenge but are testaments to the unyielding spirit of Dover’s people, who navigated through life’s storms. Join us as we explore the depths of human endurance and the strength that emerged in the face of Dover’s toughest times.
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 social and administrative activities. Topics range from the management of the poor and lunatics, such…
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 the meagre funds allocated for burials. From individuals ‘worn out’ by years of labour to…
“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 the time. This ledger records detailed accounts of people navigating the challenges of poverty, legal…
“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 expenses, painting a vivid picture of the era’s social dynamics. The entries, ranging from the…
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 a large P&O liner just to the west of Dover and a column of water…
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 were the sort of questions from readers promoted by my decision to use George Campbell’s…
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, or by Theobold, archbishop of Canterbury, with the consent of the prior and his brethren.…
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, after colliding with the wall of Crabble Mills overturned. The car was crowded with passengers…
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. Lieut. Rosher had been flying over the town and just as he was about to…
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 five groups by ten chains. They wore the usual convict garb of many colours, red…