Dover has been an important port since before Roman times. The closest point to continental Europe, both the Romans and the Normans left their imprint on Dover when they invaded the country. Evidence of its role in front line of our defences through the ages can be seen today and the town has also witnessed many British embarkations. In A-Z of Dover author Jeff Howe explores Dover’s fascinating history, including some famous personages such as Elgar who lived in Dover and lesser known characters who shaped the town amongst whom are a Victorian archaeologist vicar and a literary entrepreneur who published ‘pocket’ histories of Dover. Readers will discover unusual places such as the cavernous oil tanks cut into the cliffs to supply warships during the Second World War and less well-known associations such as military style orphanage for wayward boys set up by General Gordon of Khartoum, and forgotten events such as the Dover Show for livestock. The changing face of Dover is also recorded in many lost buildings and structures over the years, not least the changes carried out by the local authority’s Eyesore Clearance Programme in the 1970s.

This fascinating A-Z tour of Dover, its interesting people, places and historic events, is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this coastal town in Kent.