Dover is on England’s nearest coast to Europe being only twenty-one miles from France.
Dover is well known for the landings from Dunkirque during the war and the White Cliffs that are the most popular stretch of coastline in the UK. The cliffs are a welcoming sight to many people, travellers on their way home or the Armed Forces on their way back from manoeuvres or wars.
There are many beautiful beaches and bays around Dover and also the busy Dover harbour make for lovely days out.
Dover castle dates back to before the Norman invasion and was extended to look more like a castle by Henry II. It is now owned by the English Heritage. Under the castle are many tunnels and an area that was used as a secret hospital during WWII.
A lightbouse that was built by the Romans remains standing to this day in the grounds of the castle. This is said to be the oldest building in Britain.
A Bronze Age boat was discovered six metres under the sea off the coast of Dover, making it the oldest ship to be recovered.
During the Napoleonic war Dover was well defended against the French Invasion. It must have been frightening for many but on a really clear day French troops, standing on the beach of Bolougne, could be seen from Dover.
In the 18th and 19th centuries smuggling was many Dover residents ‘occupation’. They would travel to France and bring back alcohol, silk, perfume and salt and sell it on at a higher price. It was difficult for any to be caught or brought to justice because most of the towns inhabitants were on the side of the smugglers ( probably because they were friends or family) and juries would always find them not guilty.
Dover’s population rose by 600% during the 19th century and to make the town more attractive to visitors a pier was built together with an ice rink, bathing machines and hotels.
The first bomb to be dropped on England in WWI fell on Dover. It was Christmas Eve l914.
Dover once had four hospitals including the secret one under the castle but the only remaining hospital is the Buckland Hospital and this too is now under the threat of closure.
Rental properties are always available in Dover at an average cost of £345pcm for a studio flat, £400pcm for a l bed flat, £500pcm for a 2 bed flat and £490 - £570pcm for 2 and 3 bed houses.
There are several roads with a wide variety of shops in Dover. Burtons is in Market Square, Little Angels in the High Street, Jaques Vert at De Bradelei Wharf . In Biggin Street can be found Evans, MKl, QS, New Look, Woolworths and Marks and Spencer
The Stone Hut, built in 1912 originally belonging to the Royal Garrison Artillery is now used as an archeoligical store. On the first Friday of each month it is open to the public to see relics from Roman coins and pots to artefacts from WWII and the Cold War. Also can be included is a tour of the secret tunnels.
The castle also has entertainments days a few being Falconry displays 28th & 29th July, Grand Castle Treasure Hunt 1 – 3 August, Spooky weekend 4th & 5th August, A Crafty Pirate 11th and 12th August and Christmas Shopping on the 24th and 25th November.
|
