Author Archives: Lorraine

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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.

Cinque Ports Pilots Part I

Posted on July 26, 2014 by Lorraine

The fraternity of Pilots belonging to the Cinque Ports has probably been in existence since before William I (1066-1087) conquered England in 1066. The main prerequisites to become a pilot, at that time and for centuries after, was to be a … Continue reading →

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Granville Dock

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Lorraine

Dover Harbour Commission the predecessors to the Dover Harbour Board (DHB), was set up by  Charter in 1606. At the time, Dover’s harbour was at the west end of the bay and consisted of the Great Paradise and the Great Pent. The … Continue reading →

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St Martin-le-Grand

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Lorraine

Once upon a time the church of St Martin-le-Grand, which stood on the west side of the present day Market Square, was said to rival Canterbury Cathedral in size and stature. What remains of the ruins can be seen besides … Continue reading →

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Burlington House – A monument to an Arrogant Establishment

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Lorraine

Burlington House, Townwall Street, once stood like an obscene gesture to those using the A20 going to the Eastern Docks. Almost from the outset Dover folks argued for its demolition but beyond vague promises and even vaguer excuses, the building stood. … Continue reading →

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Great Bullion Robbery – Part II

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Lorraine

On 15 May 1855, approximately £15,000 of gold bullion was stolen from the South Eastern Railway Company mail train from London to Dover. Part I of this story recounts the transportation of the gold, the discovery of the robbery and … Continue reading →

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