Dover

On September 9, 2009 our group went to Dover. We spent the morning walking around Dover Castle, my first castle visit ever! It was a really incredible experience.


Dover castle was built over time, but it really began to take shape during the rule of Henry II (around 1200 AD). Although many people think of castles in terms of Disneyland and Cinderella, castles originally were built for defense first, and comfort second. Huge stone walls and minimal conveniences were characteristic of early castles.


The Dover Castle is built overlooking the English Channel and the White Cliffs of Dover. From the lookout point at the castle we could see France.


Dover Castle was an active military site until the 1950s and was an important point in WWII. Evacuation of French and English soldiers from France was coordinated from Dover Castle.

After the castle we drove down and spent some time on a ‘beach’ (there was gravel instead of sand, so I use the term ‘beach’ loosely) and walked down the wharf. The busiest shipping lanes in the world exist right there between Dover and Calais, France. It was a very cool morning.