Author Archives: Lorraine

About Lorraine

I am a local historian, whose love of Dover has lead to decades of research into some of the lesser known tales that this famous and beautiful town has to tell.

Charles Dickens and Dover

Posted on September 8, 2018

Charles Dickens (1812-1870), the famous 19th century British author, was a frequent visitor to Dover throughout his adult life. His first visit to the town was as part of an acting troupe in the 1830s, when the company played at … Continue reading →

Posted in Dickens - the great author and Dover, Dickens - the great author and Dover, People, Tourism | 4 Comments

Dover’s Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark Part II

Posted on July 6, 2018

Part 1 of Dover’s Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark started with the foundation of Mote Bulwark, the military site at the base of the Castle cliffs on the east side of Dover bay. This remained in the hands of the military … Continue reading →

Posted in Armed Services, Buildings, Dover's Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark Part II, Dover's Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark Part II, Dover's Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark Part II, Wanton Destruction

Dover’s Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark Part I

Posted on June 30, 2018

Dover Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark, the ruins of the latter can still be seen, were on the east side of Dover Bay close to the present day A20 access road to Eastern Docks. Although both played important roles in … Continue reading →

Posted in Armed Services, Buildings, Dover's Seaplane Base and Mote Bulwark Part I, Wanton Destruction, World War I | 1 Comment

Stembrook Tannery to Pencester Gardens Part I

Posted on April 8, 2018

These days, King John (1199-1216) is particularly remembered as being forced to sign the Magna Carta by the Barons of England on 15 June 1215. Even after he died, the mood of many of England’s Barons was to invite Louis, … Continue reading →

Posted in Businesses, Open Spaces, Pencester Gardens, Stembrook Tannery to Pencester Gardens Part I, Tanyard - Stembrook | 1 Comment

Packet Service V LCDR & the Route to Dover’s Prosperity

Posted on October 22, 2017

Prelude: London, Chatham & Dover Packet Service 1860-1874 English packets out of Dover, that is ships carrying official messages and mail, evolved over the centuries. By 1624, there was a well-organised service to and from the Continental mainland. In the 1850’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Businesses, Maritime, Packet Service V LCDR & the Route to Dover's Prosperity, Packet Service V LCDR & the Route to Dover's Prosperity, Packet Service V LCDR & the Route to Dover's Prosperity, Railways | 3 Comments