Dover
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Dover from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Dover's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Dover Castle
Dover
Dover Castle features a Norman keep built around 1155. Surrounded by 18th-century houses and fortified medieval walls, it includes subterranean passages enhanced in the Napoleonic period.
Waldershare Park
Shepherdswell with Coldred
Waldershare Park features an early 18th-century formal layout. The estate, acquired by Sir Henry Furness in 1705, includes notable architectural contributions by William Talman.
The Gate House
Dover
Gate lodge. Built in 1850 in Gothic style. The C20 north extension is not of special interest.
Dover Castle
Dover
Dover Castle, a significant historical site, evolved from an Iron Age hillfort into one of Europe's most fortified medieval castles, noted for royal connections and unique architectural...
Connaught Pumping Station
Dover
Connaught Pumping Station, a former 19th-century pumping station in Dover, features Romanesque-style architecture, housing historical steam pumps, now partly displayed in a museum.
1-26, Victoria Park
Dover
1 to 26 Victoria Park, listed for its prominent position in Dover and near Dover Castle, features 19th-century architecture with yellow brick and iron balconies.
The Old Kings House
Sandwich
The Old Kings House, a 15th-century timber-framed structure on Strand Street, is notable for its historical ties, including visits by Queen Elizabeth and Henry VIII.
The Limes
Sandwich
"The Limes" is an early 19th-century three-storey brick house with distinctive stone bay windows and a charming semi-circular fanlight doorway.
Dover Town Hall, including the remains of the medieval Ma…
Dover
Town hall, including the remains of the medieval Maison Dieu.
A Saxon Shore fort, Roman port and associated remains at …
Ash
The Saxon Shore fort at Richborough is a significant Roman military installation from the third century, reflecting strategic defense against Saxon raiders along Britain's southeastern...
Northumberland
Goodwin Sands
The Northumberland was a significant 70-gun ship lost in the 1703 Great Storm. Found after a fisherman's report, artefacts are preserved in Ramsgate Maritime Museum.
Fortifications, Roman lighthouse and medieval chapel on W…
Dover
The fortifications of Western Heights, noted for 19th-century military architecture, include a Roman lighthouse and a medieval chapel, reflecting Dover's historical military significance.
The Dover Patrol Monument (War Memorial) and associated r…
St. Margaret's At Cliffe
War Memorial commemorating The Dover Patrol, dated to 1919-21 and designed by Sir Aston Webb.
The Long House or 62 Strand Street
Sandwich
This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 24/10/16House erected between 1562 and 1578 on land formerly belonging to Christ Church Priory Canterbury, possibly for local ship owner...
Lord Warden House
Dover
Former Lord Warden Hotel. 1848-1853 by Samuel Beazley (1786-1851). Early-C20 extension to north, C20 interior alterations.
St Martin's Church
Dover
The remains of St Martin’s-le-Grand Church are located near St Mary’s Church, featuring significant Roman and medieval structures, including Caen stone architecture and archaeological...
The Salutation, Sandwich
Sandwich
The Salutation in Sandwich, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911-12, features extensive gardens with recent 20th-century additions, including formal and informal elements, and is privately...
1, Brewer Street
Deal
1 Brewer Street is an early 19th-century industrial building with stuccoed exterior, original sashes, and round-headed doorcase, contributing to the group value of its surroundings.
Church of St Nicholas
Eythorne
The Church of St Nicholas, dating from circa 1180, boasts ornate 12th-century decoration with unique sculptures, restored in the 19th century by R.C. Hussey.
Transmitter Tower (tower 2), Transmitter site, former Swi…
St. Margaret's At Cliffe
Transmitter tower (Tower 2) of c1937 to the former Swingate Chain Home Radar Station (built 1936-8).
60th Rifles Memorial to Indian Mutiny
Dover
War memorial in Classical style, erected in August 1861 by the First Battalion of the Royal Rifles to commemorate their fallen comrades of the Indian campaigns of 1857, 1858 and 1859.
Langdon Bay
Dover
The recovery of Middle Bronze Age artefacts from Langdon Bay, Kent, has pointed to the possibility that the wreck of a cargo vessel of the same date lies within the Bay, although no remains...
52, Charlton Green
Dover
52 Charlton Green is an early 19th-century red brick building with a tiled roof and notable features like curved bows and a central round-headed doorcase.
Maison Dieu House
Dover
Maison Dieu House is a historic red brick building from 1665 on Biggin Street, noted for its architectural features like Ionic capital pilasters and a good staircase.
St James' Church
Dover
St James' Church, located near Dover Castle, built in the 12th century with medieval architecture, features a Norman doorway and was used as a courthouse until 1851.
Artillery castle at Walmer
Walmer
Walmer Artillery Castle, a significant example of early artillery architecture, was built under Henry VIII's defense program and is associated with notable public figures as a residence.
York House
Dover
York House, built circa 1840, is a three-story brown brick building with a mansard roof, notable for its bow windows and cast iron balcony.
Medieval manor house, Walmer
Walmer
Walmer Court is a medieval moated manor house near St Mary's Church, featuring surviving stone structures suggesting aristocratic status. Excavations revealed medieval pottery from 1150.
The Haven Guest House, 29, Harnet Street
Sandwich
The Haven Guest House is an 18th-century refronted structure with a probable 15th-century wing. It features painted brickwork, tiled roofs, and fluted pilasters on the doorway.
Walmer Castle
Walmer
Walmer Castle, initially built by Henry VIII in 1539, became the Lord Warden's residence in 1708. It features gardens designed by William Pitt and William Masters.
Artillery castle at Deal
Deal
The artillery castle at Deal is a historically important defensive structure from Henry VIII's reign, illustrating the strategic maritime significance of East Kent's coastline.
133, Middle Street
Deal
133, Middle Street is a historically significant 17th-century house with a 19th-century facade, featuring architectural elements like a stucco exterior and distinctive gable parapets.
8-10, Chapel Street
Deal
An 18th-century range on Chapel Street with stucco, painted, and red brick elements and notable Dutch-style gable. It forms a significant architectural group.
Stirling Castle
Goodwin Sands
The Stirling Castle was a Third Rate warship lost during the 'Great Storm' of 1703 on the Goodwin Sands, resulting in significant maritime disaster.
Manwood Close Manwood Court
Sandwich
Sir Roger Manwood's Grammar School from 1564, now two private houses, retains historical architectural features like crow-stepped gables and moulded labels, with restorations in 1892.
Pilgrims House
Sandwich
Pilgrims House is a restored timber-framed building from the 14th to 16th centuries, featuring overhanging floors, curved braces, and a central courtyard.
The Salutation
Sandwich
Built in 1912 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, The Salutation exemplifies Queen Anne style, featuring garden designs by Gertrude Jekyll. Its architectural details include sash windows and stone panels.
Dover through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Dover changes over time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Dover
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Dover
Dover Castle, St Mary's Church and the Pharos, Dover, 1920
Dover
Dover Castle and the Outer Harbour, Dover, 1949
Walmer
Walmer Castle, Walmer, 1923
Walmer
Walmer Castle, Walmer, 1948
Sandwich
Stonar House, Sandwich, 1927
Sandwich
Stonar House, Sandwich, 1927
Deal
Deal Castle, Deal, 1920
Deal
Deal Castle, Deal, 1948
St Margaret'S At Cliffe
South Foreland and the South Foreland Lighthouse, St Margaret's at Cliffe, 1926
South Foreland
The South Foreland Lighthouse, South Foreland, 1949
Dover in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Dover's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the east showing the railway tracks and the entrance to the tunnel through Shakespeare Cliff
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1954
Exterior view of a house in Sandwich with three young children playing on the pavement outside the front door
John Gay Collection: Counties
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1950s
View of houses in East Cliff, Dover, looking west, at dusk
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Dover, Kent
Date created: 06 Jul 1909
A view looking east along Canterbury Road showing Wingham Court on the south side of the street and the churchyard wall of St Mary the Virgin's church...
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS TO THE PIER
Charles George Harper Collection
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-east of Maison Dieu
John Gay Collection: Counties
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1950s
View of houses in East Cliff, Dover, looking west, at dusk
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Dover, Kent
Date created: 06 Jul 1909
The Old Canonry on the corner of School Lane and Canterbury Road
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS DOVER CASTLE FROM THE GARDENS
Charles George Harper Collection
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
The ruins of the gatehouse at St Radigund's Abbey
John Gay Collection: Counties
Dover, Kent
Date created: Apr 1954
View, from below, of white cliffs, probably at Dover
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Dover, Kent
Date created: 1901 - 1906
EXTERIOR VIEW FROM GRANVILLE GARDENS
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Dover.
The Story of 1066: Why William the Conqueror Invaded England
Mentions Dover Castle
William I, also known as William the Conqueror, was the first Norman king of England, who reigned from 1066 to 1087 following the Battle of Hastings.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions Dover Castle, Fortifications, Roman lighthouse and medieval chapel on Western Heights, Dover Castle
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
Battles, Castles and Ships: England’s Military History from the Air
Mentions Artillery castle at Walmer
Discover England's military history through aerial photography from the Aerofilms Collection.
16 Historic Gardens and Landscapes to Visit
Mentions Walmer Castle
Try these English gardens if you’re looking for somewhere with spectacular garden scenery.
What Is the Oldest Building in England?
Mentions The Roman Pharos, Church of St Mary Sub-castro
From the oldest church to archaeological remains, here are the contenders for England's oldest building.
A Guide to Norman Architecture in England
Mentions Dover Castle
Norman architecture is a style of medieval architecture built in England following the Norman conquest in 1066.
13 Roman Ruins to Visit in England
Mentions A Saxon Shore fort, Roman port and associated remains at Richborough
Remains of Roman Britain can be found everywhere, from walls left in our cities to forts and villas in the countryside.
10 Dramatic Coastal Sites to Visit this Summer
Mentions Dover Castle
Ten coastal sites in England, which are open to the public and worth a visit all year round.
“I’m Sorry But What Is a Scheduled Monument?”
Mentions A Saxon Shore fort, Roman port and associated remains at Richborough
We’ve had Scheduled Monuments (sometimes known as Ancient Monuments) since 1882 when the Ancient Monuments Protection Act was passed.
The Gallipoli Campaign: 7 War Memorials That Bear Witness to the Great Loss
Mentions St George's Church Memorial Cross, Deal
Poignant reminders of the sacrifices made during the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.
6 Stunning Lighthouses (From 1AD to the Present Day)
Mentions The Roman Pharos
Trinity House, the lighthouse authority for England and Wales, celebrates its 500th anniversary today after being granted a charter by Henry VIII on...
New Funding to Improve Dover's Second Great Fortress
Mentions Fortifications, Roman lighthouse and medieval chapel on Western Heights, Administration Block, Dover Young Offenders Institution, Grand Shaft Stairs and Attached Railings
A £149,000 grant from Historic England is set to help conserve and regenerate Dover’s Western Heights over the next three years.
Protecting the Recent Past for the Future
Mentions Dover
Researching and managing First World War submarine wrecks in English waters
The Serious Business of Holidaymaking
Mentions Dover
A look at the history of tourism and tourist destinations in Britain.
New Mission Seeks Shipwrecks Lost During ‘Operation Dynamo’
Mentions Dover
A research project to detect and identify undiscovered shipwrecks lost during ‘Operation Dynamo’ is being launched by DRASSM and Historic England.
Pioneering Programme Using Archaeology to Empower Young People
Mentions Dover
Historic England’s 'Rejuvenate' pilot programme first of its kind to test archaeology and heritage's ability to improve young people's wellbeing.
New Interactive Centenary Map of UK Buildings and Places That Have Defined the BBC
Mentions Dover
Launched by Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Environment Division, Northern Ireland Communities Department and Cadw.
£4.5 Million Increase to the Heritage Stimulus Fund
Mentions Dover
Funding will ensure essential repairs and restoration can be completed as well as supporting thirty-three new historic sites for the first time.
Thermography in Historic Buildings
Mentions Dover
Learn how Infrared thermography can provide invaluable information about historic buildings without intrusive investigation.
Heritage and Craft Workers Across England Given a Helping Hand
Mentions Dover
142 historic sites across England are receiving grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Prototype for The Royal Navy’s First Long-Range Diesel-Powered Submarines Protected
Mentions Dover
HMS/m D1, launched in 1908 and commissioned in September 1909, was a significant development on the C-class submarine, being larger and more powerful.
HMS Arethusa Figurehead Listed at Grade II
A wooden figurehead from the Royal Navy ship HMS Arethusa listed at Grade II.
20 Intriguing Places Listed in 2017
Mentions Dover
Historic England's guide to 20 unusual or surprising places listed this year.
Dover's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Ye Olde Grocery Stores, 98 Middle Street, Deal, Kent
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
A view showing the shop front and rounded corner window above.
Ye Olde Grocery Stores, 98 Middle Street, Deal, Kent
Victoria Road, Deal, Kent
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A view of Victoria Road at the corner of Castle Road, with pedestrians and ladies on bicycles.
Victoria Road, Deal, Kent
Training Galleries, Mines Rescue Station, Aylesham, Kent
Period: 1990s (1990 - 1999)
Rescue teams often train in mock pits, like this gallery, designed to replicate the conditions in a mine.
Training Galleries, Mines Rescue Station, Aylesham, Kent
The Town Hall and remains of Mediaeval Maison Dieu, High Street, Dover, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This site has been used as a Mediaeval hospital, chapel, prison, town hall and assembly rooms.
The Town Hall and remains of Mediaeval Maison Dieu, High Street, Dover, Kent
The School Hall, Dover College, Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The School Hall at Dover College was built around 1139 as the refectory to St Martin's Priory. The priory was refounded by Archbishop Corbeuil in 1131.
The School Hall, Dover College, Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent
The Barbican, High Street, Sandwich, Kent
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
The 16th-century bastion, with its chequered work, was part of the town defences and guarded the bridge over the River Stour, a reminder of a time...
The Barbican, High Street, Sandwich, Kent
St Nicholas Church, Barfrestone, Eythorne, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The exterior of the east end of the 12th century church showing the wheel window and romanesque arcading.
St Nicholas Church, Barfrestone, Eythorne, Kent
St Nicholas Church, Barfrestone, Eythorne, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The south doorway of St Nicholas's Church, Barfrestone, showing the carved arch and tympanum dating from the late twelfth century
St Nicholas Church, Barfrestone, Eythorne, Kent
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