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.

Wellington Dock and Fairbairn Hand Cranked Crane

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Lorraine

During the last few years there has been talk of filling in or/and making major alterations to the Listed Wellington Dock. To date none of these have happened, nonetheless, it is still worth reminding ourselves of its history. Following the … Continue reading →

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The Dynasty of Dover – Part I – the Stokes

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Lorraine

Dover has had a number of dynastic families that have had a lasting influence on the town but perhaps the longest and the only one whose influence is still there for all to see started with Thomas Stokes in the 16th … Continue reading →

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Dover’s Prison

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Lorraine

For over a thousand years Dover does not have a gaol, jail or prison. The spellings gaol and jail are both in general use, but gaol has historically been in England while jail is used in the USA. The word prison … Continue reading →

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Robin Haydon – Ambassador extraordinary

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Lorraine

Walter Robert Haydon (1920–1999), known as Robin to his family, friends and the world in general, was one of Britain’s most revered Ambassadors. However, from his inauspicious beginnings it is unlikely that anyone would have expected it of him. Robin was born on 29 May 1920 … Continue reading →

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St Radegund’s Abbey

Posted on September 14, 2013 by Lorraine

The Abbey of Saint Radegund is at the top of the Coombe Valley, at Poulton, on a minor road from Dover to Folkestone. Now a working farm, the Abbey gives its name, with a slightly different spelling, to a part … Continue reading →

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