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
BREACH of PROMISE at DOVER.
A jury presided over by Mr. Skudmore the vetting Under Sheriff for the County of Kent assembled on Wednesday afternoon at the Victoria Hotel Dover to asses the damages in an action for a breach of promise brought by Eliza…
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…
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…
Pitch and Toss
William Robins, Edward Wellard and Herbert Barton three lads charged with playing pitch and toss in Bowling Green lane on Sunday last were admonished and dismissed on paying the costs. Pitch and Toss a game in which coins are pitched…
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…
Traveller’s Missing Bag.
At the Dover Police Court on Thursday before the Mayor (Mr W. Emden ) and Messrs. Hills and H. F. Edwin. Richard Tewkesbury of no fixed abode was charged on remand with stealing a traveller’s bag valued at 30s the…
Flames of History: The Fires of Dover Chronicles
Fire in Biggin Street.
“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…
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…
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
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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:
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…
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…
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…
