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
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…
Begging Nuisance.
Yesterday (Thursday) Walter (Hoppy) Martin who had been in trouble on several occasions was charged again at the Dover Police Court with begging in Dieu Stone Lane. P.C. Taylor deposed to seeing the prisoner stop three gentlemen in Dieu Stone…
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…
Beaten With Fried Potatoes.
At Dover Police Court on Friday before the Mayor (Mr Walter Emden) in the Chair, Mr J. L. Bradley and Mr F. W. Prescott, John David Beatty labourer, of Adrian Street was summoned for assault by George Winifrith of the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
Killed while flying over Dover.
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….
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…
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…
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,…
Pathways of the Past: Exploring the Streets of Dover:
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
Dover’s Diverse Chronicles: A Tapestry of Tales:
Astor School Nearing “Moving Day”
July 20th 1951. “Formidable Task” says Headmistress. Details of improved teaching facilities following on the removal of Astor County Secondary School into the new building at the end of term were given on Wednesday by Miss G. M. Jenkins the…
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…
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…