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.

Brook House – the Infamous Demolition

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Lorraine

16 July 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the demolition of Brook House – a fine, white, mansion that had stood on the western side of Maison Dieu Road. For many its destruction, in the early hours of a Saturday … Continue reading →

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Kent Coalfield and Professor Abercrombie

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Lorraine

As a result of a borehole sunk at the bottom of a shaft for a proposed Channel Tunnel, at the foot of Shakespeare cliff – Dover, coal was found in 1890. This was at a depth of 300 metres and exploration … Continue reading →

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Harriet Quimby – the First Woman to Fly the Channel

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Lorraine

A few days before Louis Blériot entered the history books as the first person to cross the English Channel in a heavier than air flying machine, Hubert Latham (1883-1914) had taken off from France. He had flown 8 miles before … Continue reading →

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King John and Dover

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Lorraine

King John (1199-1216) is particularly remembered as being forced to sign the Magna Carta by the Barons of England on the 15 June 1215. In reality, the King did not sign it but attached his seal which confirmed his endorsement.  Yet … Continue reading →

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William Burgess – Artist

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Lorraine

High up on a wall near the corner of Stembrook and Castle Street, is a Dover Society plaque dedicated to Dover artist William Burgess (1805-1861). Not to be confused with William Burges, (1827–1881), one of the architects of the former Town Hall … Continue reading →

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