Teatime Talks - Dover's Lost Architecture - Some Lost Dover Medieval Buildings
Market Square, Dover, Kent, CT16 1PH
In comparison with neighbouring Sandwich, boasting many standing historic buildings, the town of Dover is generally lacking in visible pre-nineteenth century structures.
The settlement, located at the mouth of the River Dour, was apparently first established before the Roman Conquest, going on to develop into Portus Dubris - an important haven and naval base in the days of Rome. During Anglo-Saxon times it re-emerged as Dofras, the little town then possessing its own mint for a time. The Norman Conquest of 1066 saw the town severely damaged by fire, but it soon recovered and went on to evolve into the busy cross-Channel port that it remains today.
Constrained within the steep-sided valley of the River Dour, close to the seashore and with little room for significant expansion, continual redevelopment of the densely inhabited settlement core has led to earlier structures frequently being swept away to make room for new ones in their place. There is now little to be seen of the medieval town that once existed below the great Norman castle which still stands on the eastern cliffs.
Archaeological excavation, together with a study of old maps, documents and pictures, allows us to say at least something about some of Dover's lost medieval buildings. The talk will describe an interesting selection of these lost buildings and structures.
Timings & Tours
- Monday 15 September:
- 1800-1900
Location & directions
Market Square, Dover, Kent, CT16 1PH
- Directions:
- Dover Museum Community Cinema Gaol Lane
- Contact on day:
- Paul Wells
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Booking will go live on Monday 24th August 2025 - https://DSTalk1.eventbrite.com
- Booking contact name:
- Paul Wells
- Booking website:
- https://DSTalk1.eventbrite.com
- Booking opens:
- 25 Aug 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 14 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 75
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
