Dover is commonly known as the "Gateway to England". On top of the famous White Cliffs stands The Castle which was mainly built in the 12th and 13th centuries although the grounds also contain the Anglo-Saxon Church of St. Mary de Castro and a Pharos (lighthouse) built by the Romans in the first century A.D. There were fortifications here in the Iron Age. Although it has an imposing position overlooking the Town of Dover and The English Channel, this huge fortress has seldom seen any action and has served more use as army barracks in recent times. On a clear day the coast of France can easily be seen from its ramparts.

Hasted wrote in 1800:
"The Town of Dover is situated very pleasant and romantic; for the most part at the foot of the high chalk cliffs, which seem to hang tremendous over the roofs of the houses underneath them. The air is exceeding healthy on which account, and for the benefit of sea-bathing, there being a fine open beach all along this shore, numbers of families resort hither during the summer season".

In the Valley below the Castle is the Town and Port of Dover and I shall add items about the area as time permits.