Swingate Inn

Dover


Dover is a nice mix of the old and the new. It has plenty of modern shops, restaurants and other attractions, intermingled with the olde-worlde charm of an ancient town. I suppose today most travellers to Dover are heading straight to the continental ferry port, which is some way from the town, but Dover is worthy of a much longer visit. The town is dominated by its castle, 375 feet above sea level, and from where, on a clear day, the French coast is easily visible. Within the precincts are the remains of a Roman lighthouse, 80 feet high and built of flintstone, remains of the Saxon stronghold and the massive Norman keep. During the English civil war (1642-46) the castle was seized by Parliamentarians and remained under Cromwell's control until the Restoration (of King Charles II) which ensured that it remained intact, unlike most other English castles. Within its White Cliffs are miles of underground passages and tunnels, the first of which were constructed in the Middle Ages to provide a protected line of communication for the soldiers manning the northern outworks. During the Napoleonic Wars the system of tunnels was expanded to fortify the castle in readiness for a French invasion. Seven tunnels were dug as barracks for soldiers, and were capable of holding 2,000 men. They are the only underground barracks ever built in Britain.

For more information on Dover and the surrounding towns, just click here:In and Around DoverMy fondest memory of Dover is probably arriving here from my base in Germany, and being once more able to drive on the 'correct' side of the road (lol)! When you arrive from the Continent by car you quickly realise just how congested England's roads are!