The Early settlements of Dover
Dover has a strategic location and its position helps Dover to control the English Channel. Dover is known as the ‘Lock and Key of England’. With a lot of literature, arts and crafts present about the city, the town holds a lot of fable ranging from mention in Shakespearean novels to that of Charles Dickens.
Julius Caesar tried to land at Dover during the period of the Roman Invasion of 55 BC and it was the prime objective of the invasion plans of Napoleon, William the Conqueror and Hitler. The city of Dover is also well known as a military city base where during the history of Dover, it became famous as a military and garrison town which would have extensive Roman forts. The remains are visible even today and there are remnants from Napoleonic forts and World Wars when Dover was in the Frontline as Britain’s Town.
In the present day Dover heavily relies on the harbour for its prosperity and it is one of the busiest passenger ferry terminals in the world. It also has the busiest cruise liner terminal in Britain and is a major port for freight, particularly for perishable items like fruit, which is imported via the cargo ships.
Dover was present from the pre-historic times and has reflected as part of pre-historic world. The Stone Age, Bronze Age and the Iron Age were all present, followed by the Roman Dover, when it was home to the Roman Fleet, the Classis Britannica. The Saxon Dover came into being since the fifth century onwards, when Dover which was known as Dofras became a major settlement in the new Kingdom of Kent. Towards the 10th century there was a Norman invasion and it was followed by the medieval ages, where the city grew with the Dover castle and Cinque Ports. The Tudor and Stuart settlements were during the time of the Elizabeth 1 and Henry VIII where Dover had links with the Monarchy. During the 19th century the city developed defences and grew as a seaside resort. The recent history shows the city as a commercial hub open to tourism as an industry.
The city has a lot of archaeological evidence which shows that there are evidence of early settlement inhabitant tools, pottery and other Neolithic and flint implements. The early inhabitants lived by the river together with their domesticated animals and families. The city has a rich history, which is depicted even today in the Dover Museum and is visible for all.