Dover
History
Gateway to England, Dover is known worldwide for its iconic “White Cliffs”, the view that welcomes travellers as they arrive in the UK. The port has been at the forefront of sea faring history for 3000 years and is the busiest ferry port in Europe, Dover has been a strategic target for every invading force in England’s history being the shortest route across the English Channel from France. When William had won the Battle of Hastings his marched straight to Dover to win the town and its precious harbour. During the Cinque Ports age Dover was one of the head ports, having a large fishing fleet which could sail North, South or East quickly to fight the Kings battles. The Court of Shepway, where the Cinque Ports business was done, was held in St. James Church near the harbour.
Main Attractions
Dover Castle. Overlooking the town are the imposing walls of Dover castle, fortifications which have provided safety and shelter since the Iron Age, inside which is a unique Saxon Church and the only surviving Roman lighthouse called the Pharos. The castle has played a significant role in the Hundred Years war, the English civil war, Napoleonic wars, both World War I and II, and more recently had a tunnel built to provide a nuclear bunker. It was where Henry VIII resupplied his fleet from the Motes Bulwark, a brick wharf, built right under the castle wall at ground level, which can still be seen as you head towards the port.
The Western Heights. Fortifications built during the Napoleonic period to protect Dover from French attack with the nearby Grand Shaft triple staircase from the Heights to the old harbour enabling the fast deployment of troops to the beach.
The Tidy Ruin. What remains of St. James church, the headquarters of the Cinque ports for 500 years, where the Lord Warden would liaise with the Mayors of the Ports on behalf of the King. Now a preserved ruin following a direct hit by a bomb in the second world war.
Roman Painted House. In the town is a centre showcasing the well-preserved painted walls of a Roman house which adjoined the Classicus Britannicus fort at its main harbour in England.
Bronze Age Boat. Housed in Dover Museum the conserved 3000-year-old remains are on display in a gallery which tells the story of Iron Age channel crossings. The boat was discovered when the A20 was being built through the town in 1992.