Dover in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
A View to the West
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 8, 2018
1. A View to the West Marker
The Romans built two forts and a settlement, known as Portus Dubris. These were succeeded by a thriving Saxon and a later medieval walled town, all nestled in the valley of the River Dour, which extends inland from the near end of the beach.
At the far end of the beach are the Western Docks, where a new port was established during the reign of Henry VII (r.1509-47) and provided with gun towers for its defence. The docks have been in use ever since.
Beyond, the ground rises to the Western Heights, where the ruins of a Roman lighthouse, like the surviving example in the castle, stood until the mid-19th century Enormous defences were built on Western Heights during the wars with Napoleonic France (1793-1815). These defences were continually improved until the end of the Second World War.
On the horizon, the pointed hill is Shakespeare Cliff, so called because of its appearance in the play King Lear.
( photo captions )
- A 17th-century view of Dover from the west, with the town in the centre and the castle to its right, by Anthonis van den Wyngaerde. In the left foreground are the Western Docks, at that time not long completed.
- Observation Post with Gulls by war artist
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 51° 7.598′ N, 1° 19.499′ E. Marker is in Dover, England, in Kent. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Castle Hill Road and Canons Gate Road, on the left when traveling south. Located at the Hospital Battery at the cliff’s edge next to Dover Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dover, England CT16 1HU, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A View of the Harbour (here, next to this marker); A View to the East (a few steps from this marker); The Signal Platform (a few steps from this marker); Finding the Enemy (a few steps from this marker); Command, Control and Communication (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighting the Enemy in the Sky (within shouting distance of this marker); Operation Dynamo (within shouting distance of this marker); Ramsay: retreat and return (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.
Also see . . .
1. English Heritage - Dover Castle. (Submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 8, 2018
2. A View to the West Marker
2. Dover Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
