09/08/2025
Today’s journey is to the passenger cruise terminal in Dover and here’s some historical facts about the Port of Dover:
• Roman origins – Dover’s strategic location led the Romans to establish Dubris around 2000 years ago, using it as a fortified port and supply base.
• Medieval importance – In the Middle Ages, Dover was one of the Cinque Ports, a confederation providing ships for the Crown in exchange for privileges.
• Napoleonic defences – During the early 19th century, the harbour was fortified with gun batteries and Dover Castle strengthened to guard against French invasion.
• World War I role – Dover served as the headquarters for the Dover Patrol, protecting the English Channel and preventing German naval incursions.
• World War II evacuation – In 1940, Dover played a central role in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of over 300,000 Allied troops from Dunkirk.
• Post-war ferry boom – From the 1950s to 1990s, Dover became Europe’s busiest ferry port, with passenger and car services to France and Belgium.
• First hovercraft services – In 1968, the world’s first commercial hovercraft ferry service operated from Dover to Boulogne.
• Modern freight gateway – Today, Dover handles up to 17% of all UK trade in goods, making it Britain’s busiest roll-on/roll-off ferry port.
• Historic lighthouse – Dover still has a Roman-era lighthouse (Pharos) on the castle grounds — one of the best-preserved in the world.
Every day’s a school day! 😀
