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.

Battle of Britain 1940

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Lorraine

On 3 September 1939 Britain declared war on Germany following their invasion of Poland. Hitler, from the outset had employed ‘blitzkrieg’ tactics and overrun five other countries: Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France. In June 1940 Britain’s armies had been … Continue reading →

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William George Lewis and the great Dover Scandal

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Lorraine

W. George Lewis’s company built 5 Cranbrook Villas, London Road, Buckland, where he lived. In fact, his company built many of the late 19th and early to mid-twentieth century houses in that area. William George, or George or WG, as … Continue reading →

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New Bridge House and the Gas Explosion

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Lorraine

In 1864, the National Provincial Bank Company, later National Provincial & Union Bank, had offices were in Snargate Street, now the Masonic Lodge. That year the Bank acquired the plot of land between the Dour and Camden Crescent and from … Continue reading →

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YMCA and Dover

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Lorraine

Although, at the time of writing, Dover does have YMCA facilities of particular interest is a plaque behind the Gateway Flats, on the first set of garages after Wellesley Road. The plaque states that it ‘… marks the site of … Continue reading →

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Samuel Taverner – The Dissident Preacher who was imprisoned in the Castle

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Lorraine

Over looking the bottom of York Street is an ancient octagonal building known as the Unitarian Church. In fact, it opened as a Baptist Chapel on Tuesday 2 May 1820, amidst much celebration. These days, besides being an active place of worship and … Continue reading →

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