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
Excise Information – Heavy Penalty
Robert Head the landlord of the Burlington Inn was charged with an infringement of the Customs Act by selling Cavendish tobacco that had neither been warehoused by the customs nor provided by the customs with the necessary customs wrapper. Mr…
Assaulting the Police.
At the Police Court on Monday Walter Martin labourer of 2 Mount Pleasant was charged with assaulting the police. P.C. Noel said on Sunday evening he saw the prisoner on the pavement in Snargate Street surrounded by a crowd of…
Stealing Bacon
Mary Pilcher was charged with stealing a piece of bacon to the value 2s 6d from the shop of Mr Rubie of Biggin Street. Police Sergeant Barton said he was sent for on Saturday evening by one of Mr Rubie’s…
Stealing a Skylark
Thomas Munn a boy fifteen years of age and belonging to Buckland was charged with stealing a skylark value 15s the property of James West of 1 Brookfield Cottages Buckland. Sarah West wife of James West living at 1 Brookfield…
Destructive Casual
William Harvey was charged with wilfully destroying his clothes at the Dover Union. Arthur Frazer the porter of the Dover Union said the prisoner was admitted to the casual ward on Thursday evening. Upon witness visiting him on the following…
Suspicious Possession
John Griffiths a young man of vagrant appearance was charged with having in his possession a large plaid shawl without being able to give a satisfactory account of the same. It appeared that the prisoner came to the police station…
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 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…
Steamer on Fire.
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…
Fire on a Channel Boat.
“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.”…
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…
Grit and Gales: The Hardships of Dover’s History
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…
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…
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…
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…
Pathways of the Past: Exploring the Streets of Dover:
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,…
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…
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…
Rambling around Dover
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…
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’s Diverse Chronicles: A Tapestry of Tales:
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…
Vestry Minutes from St. Mary the Virgin, Dover, Kent.
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…
A Unique Collection Awaits Your Stories
We pride ourselves on offering a distinct perspective on Dover’s history, a tapestry woven from a unique collection of records meticulously gathered by Joyce and Brian Banks. Our website goes beyond mere dates and facts; it delves into the narrative…