About the Authors: Joyce and Brian Banks

A Journey Through Time

Welcome to a portal into Dover’s past, lovingly brought to life by Joyce and Brian Banks, a couple whose dedication to history was matched only by their love for each other.

About Joyce and Brian

Joyce and Brian Banks were more than just historians; they were storytellers, adventurers, and most importantly, partners in every sense of the word. Their journey began when they retired, trading a life of conventional relaxation for one of exploration and discovery.

Joyce, with her meticulous eye for detail, and Brian, with his supportive and creative spirit, embarked on a mission. Their winters were spent in archive rooms, where Joyce would delve into historical records, transcribing them by hand. These were not just dates and names for Joyce; they were stories waiting to be told, lives waiting to be remembered.

Brian, meanwhile, was the unsung hero in the kitchen, ensuring that their days of historical exploration were complemented by the comfort of a home-cooked meal. In the evenings, Joyce would type her discoveries into her old 386 computer, bringing the past into a digital future.

Their Legacy

Their dedication bore fruit in the form of carefully crafted books – collections of stories, records, and anecdotes about Dover. These books, originally printed on Brian’s trusty old printer and shared among friends and family, were a testament to their labour of love.

After Joyce’s passing, a treasure trove of digital copies of their work was discovered, leading to the birth of this website. It stands as a tribute to their unwavering commitment to preserving history.

What You Will Find Here

This website is a living memory of Joyce and Brian Banks. It houses nearly a hundred thousand records of births, deaths, and marriages in Dover – each character, each entry, a testament to Joyce’s dedication.

But it’s not just records. It’s the stories of Dover, its triumphs and tragedies, its people and its heartbeat, all seen through the eyes of two extraordinary individuals who lived not just in the present, but with a foot firmly in the past.

Join us in this journey through time, as we continue to share the incredible work of Joyce and Brian Banks. Their passion for history was their gift to us, and through this website, we pass this gift on to you.