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.

Dynasty of Dover Part IV – Minet-Fector

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Lorraine

In 1856, Charles Dickens (1812–1870) stayed at the Ship Hotel, on Custom House Quay, to work on Little Dorritt. However, due to concerns over domestic issues he spent most of his time taking long walks and talking to locals. These … Continue reading →

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Richard Dawkes and John Reading – the Civil Wars and Interregnum

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Lorraine

At the beginning of the English Civil Wars and the Interregnum (1642–1660), a Dovorian and his friends captured Dover Castle from the Royalists, who supported Charles I (1625-1649), and quickly myths grew surrounding the event. At the same time, the vicar … Continue reading →

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Camden Crescent and Granville Gardens

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Lorraine

For centuries, the area where Camden Crescent now stands was part of the foreshore. Here herrings were hung to dry and there was a ropewalk nearby. To make rope, locals used hemp and sometimes other materials including nettles. These were … Continue reading →

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Thomas Tallis and Dover’s choral tradition

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Lorraine

Thomas Tallis (circa.1505–1585), one of England’s most important composers of his time, started his career in Dover. His first appointment was that of the organist of Dover Priory in 1532. The site of Dover Priory is now that of Dover … Continue reading →

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Sir Henry Mainwaring – Dover’s piratical Member of Parliament

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Lorraine

Henry Mainwaring (or Maynwaring) was an infamous seventeenth century pirate who went on to become Dover’s Member of Parliament! Born 1586/7 into an old Shropshire family, Henry graduated on 15 July 1602 from Brasenose College, Oxford University at the age … Continue reading →

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