Author Archives: Lorraine

Unknown's avatar

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.

Lieutenant Graham and the last public Execution of a Dovorian

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Lorraine

From the days before the Conquest (1066) and for centuries after, Dover, as a Cinque Port, had a number of privileges in return for providing ship-service to the ruling monarch. These privileges included the full authority to deal with all criminal … Continue reading →

Posted in Courts, Crime & Punishment, Execution - last public of a Dovorian and Lieutenant Graham, Graham Lieutenant and the last public Execution of a Dovorian, People | Comments Off on Lieutenant Graham and the last public Execution of a Dovorian

Matson Family, Dissenters, Solton and the Trunnel Feast

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Lorraine

The Matson’s hailed from Solton, then part of West Cliffe, about three miles east of Dover and less than a mile from St Margaret’s at Cliffe. The parish of West Cliffe, adjacent to the A258 Dover-Deal Road traditionally consisted of … Continue reading →

Posted in Matson Family and Dissenters, Matson Family and Solton, Matson Family and the Trunnel Feast, People, Port and Transport, Religion & Churches, West Cliffe | Comments Off on Matson Family, Dissenters, Solton and the Trunnel Feast

Bowling in Dover

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Lorraine

Bowling is one of Dover’s most popular sports and can trace its history in the town from the 1840s. That was when the first legal bowling green opened at the foot of Western Heights. The game has been around since at least … Continue reading →

Posted in Bowling in Dover, Sports | Comments Off on Bowling in Dover

Charles Rolls – the first two-way, non-stop English Channel flight

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Lorraine

Charles Stewart Rolls was born in London on 27 August 1877 into an wealthy family. His father, John Allan Rolls – 1st Baron Llangattock, made his fortune through agriculture in Monmouth, Wales. Shortly after the birth of Charles, he bought a … Continue reading →

Posted in Aviation, People, Rolls Charles - the first two-way non-stop English Channel flight, Rolls Charles - the first two-way non-stop English Channel flight, Rolls Charles - the first two-way non-stop English Channel flight, Sea Front | Comments Off on Charles Rolls – the first two-way, non-stop English Channel flight

Dunkirk Evacuation

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Lorraine

Between 26 May and 4 June 1940, 338,226 British and Allied troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, France. The town and port of Dover, together with many civilians, played a crucial part.   Following the German invasion of Poland, World … Continue reading →

Posted in Dunkirk Evacuation, World War II | Comments Off on Dunkirk Evacuation