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
Refractory Unfortunate
Kate Murray an unfortunate was brought up in custody of Police Constable Hooper of the Metropolitan Police for having conducted herself in a disorderly manner and broken several panes of glass at the house appointed for the examination of unfortunate…
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…
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…
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…
Assaulting the Police.
Messrs P. W. J. Mackenzie (in the chair) and W. Bradley. George Jarrett a hawker of no fixed abode was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Adrian Street, there was a further charge against him…
Wanted to Fight.
At the Dover Police Court on Monday Edward Jordon labourer of 6 Clarendon Place was charged with being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language on New Bridge. P.C. Booth said at 6.15 p.m. on Saturday he saw the prisoner…
Flames of History: The Fires of Dover Chronicles
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…
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 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…
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…
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.”…
Grit and Gales: The Hardships of Dover’s History
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….
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…
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…
ARRIVAL of CONVICTS.
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…
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…
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…
Pathways of the Past: Exploring the Streets of Dover:
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,…
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…
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…
Rambling around Dover
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 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:
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…
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…
