Famous for its spectacular chalk cliffs, the White Cliffs, Dover is one of Britain’s principal cross-channel ports. Yet despite the opening of the Channel Tunnel to Calais, many visitors to the country still choose to arrive by ferry for the magnificent views of Kent’s lovely coastline.
What was Dover known for?
The town is the gateway to the continent, controlling the English Channel and known as the ‘Lock and Key of England’. Due to this key strategic position, Dover has been the subject of several attempts at invasion: Julius Caesar tried to land at Dover during the Roman Invasion of 55 BC.
Why are the cliffs of Dover famous?
The White Cliffs are hugely iconic in Britain – and for the most part, that’s due to their place in military history. They sit across the narrowest part of the Channel, facing towards continental Europe at its closest point to Britain and forming a symbolic guard against invasion.
Why is Dover Castle so important?
Rising above the famous White Cliffs high above the Channel, Dover Castle is an icon of England. Built soon after 1066, this mighty fortress has been the site of royal intrigue and epic sieges, and was at the centre of the crucial effort to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beach of Dunkirk.
Where did Dover get its name?
The town is the administrative centre of the Dover District and home of the Port of Dover. Archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain. The name derives from the River Dour that flows through it.
Is Dover worth visiting?
The secret wartime tunnels, roman lighthouse and St Mary in Castro church all make Dover Castle one of the best castles to visit in England.
Why is Dover called the gateway to England?
Dover is the gateway to England. Because of its strategic position, Dover has always been an important port. In Roman times Dover was an important harbor. The Romans built a stone fort to protect it and a civilian settlement grew up nearby.
Why are the cliffs of Dover so white?
The cliffs are made from chalk, a soft white, very finely grained pure limestone, and are commonly 300-400m deep. The chalk layers built up gradually over millions of years. They’re formed from the skeletal remains of minute planktonic green algae that lived floating in the upper levels of the ocean.
Can you see France from Dover?
On a clean sun-filled day you can see France from Dover. Its a nice shore with a pebble beach. From there, we can see the cliffs which contribute to a great view. Dover Castle is also not far and can be seen.
Why are blue birds over the White Cliffs of Dover?
Background. The song was written about a year after the Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe aircraft had been fighting over southern England, including the white cliffs of Dover, in the Battle of Britain. Nazi Germany had conquered much of Europe and in 1941 was still bombing Britain.
What’s the oldest castle in England?
Windsor Castle
Just to the west of London lies the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, having been a royal residence for around 950 years.
Whats the biggest castle in England?
Described as the ‘Key to England’ throughout history due to its function as a defen ce point off the Southern coast, Dover Castle is considered one of the most famous British castles, and the largest in England.
What did the Romans do to Dover?
The Romans, for whom the port was a base for their navy, the ”Classis Britannica”, constructed breakwaters against the sea’s depredations, and added two lighthouses on the heights either side of the estuary. It is possible that they also constructed a fort on what is now the site of Dover Castle to protect the port.
Why Is Dover the Monster Mile?
Denis McGlynn, CEO of Dover Motorsports Inc., coined the Monster Mile nickname in the mid-1970s. “The track was becoming known as a monster, one that was very tough on drivers and tough on equipment,” said Gary Camp, the speedway’s director of communications.
Is Dover pretty?
The White Cliffs of Dover are a stunning location, seen by thousands of people each year. But there’s a reason why they are an official icon of Britain. The cliffs dazzling white chalk faces, sharp edges reaching 350 feet (110 metres) above sea level, and layers of wild, lush grass are simply spectacular.
What is the castle in Dover called?
Dover Castle probably originated as a motte and bailey castle, built after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was transformed by King Henry II between 1179 and 1188; building the keep, the walls of the inner bailey and parts of the outer curtain wall.
Is Dover a good day trip?
Dover is just over an hour from London by train making it the perfect day tripping option for those interested in seeing some of the English countryside in addition to your time spent in London. Read on to discover how to make the most of your epic day trip to Dover!
Does Dover have a beach?
We not only have cliffs, castles and countryside in Dover District, but beautiful beaches too: Deal and Walmer beaches. Dover Harbour. Shakespeare Beach.
Can you swim in the sea at Dover?
Sea Swimming. Whether you choose to take a dip at the protected harbour in Dover, bathe in Deal or paddle at Sandwich Bay, there are plenty of options to get all of the refreshing and exhilarating benefits of sea swimming.
What does Dover mean?
Definition of Dover
noun. a seaport in E Kent, in SE England: point nearest the coast of France. Strait of. French Pas de Calais. a strait between England and France, connecting the English Channel and the North Sea: least width 20 miles (32 km).
Why is Dover tap on?
Introduced in April 2015, Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project) is a temporary traffic management system which queues port-bound lorries in the nearside (left) lane of the A20 after the Roundhill Tunnel to prevent Dover becoming congested with traffic and helping to improve its air quality.