Dover

Hello everyone,

This morning, Shannon, Alisha and I set off in Shannon’s electric work car for Dover, approximately two hours away. One of the things I didn’t do whilst I lived here was go and see the White Cliffs of Dover, and Shannon and Alisha hadn’t been to the castle in Dover before, so we decided to go on a day trip together.

As we rounded the corner and I saw the White Cliffs for the first time I was already glad we had come, they were very impressive.

Our first stop was a charging carpark to leave the car, and then we set off uphill to the castle. Built in the 1180s during the reign of King Henry II, the castle has been used for a number of purposes with bits and pieces added on over time. The tunnels that we toured at the start of our day were created during Napoleonic times, and later used during WWII. The vantage point of the castle and its tunnels meant it could be used to detect and warn of German air and sea raids. Much of Dover was bombed during the Second World War, however, the castle was kept in tact. It is believed that either the Luftwaffe left it untouched to use it as a point of reference, or that Hitler wanted to use the castle himself once victorious. I think it was probably a bit of both, and I’m glad he never got to use it! It was also important during Operation Dynamo evacuating allied soldiers from Dunkirk, as Admiral Ramsay coordinated the operation from the castle and its tunnels. This was a very famous operation that rescued 400,000 allied soldiers from France.

We did two tunnel tours (no photos allowed). The first was more the war rooms and offices of Admiral Ramsay, and the second was the underground hospital and mess hall. Both tours were interesting, and the network of tunnels very impressive. We enjoyed a nice coffee inside the cafe here too, before exploring the fire command post up above.

Then we ascended the hill further and explored the Henry II part of the complex. He was the great grandson of William the Conqueror. Apparently his wife and children hated him and revolted against him, it is said his family were harder for him to control than his empire! It was great exploring this part of the castle and seeing the recreations using props and furniture of what it would have looked like centuries ago. Castles in England are so comprehensive and interesting.

We eventually returned to the car after a great four hours in the castle complex, and drove to the White Cliffs. One of Nan and Pa’s favourite singers, Vera Lynn, famously sang a song about the cliffs “(There’ll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover”, a very popular wartime song. Understandably, I couldn’t get this out of my head the entire visit! There are no bluebirds at Dover and there never have been, but they’re a symbol in the song about hope and happiness about the war coming to an end.

Pa had told me the cliffs were more grey than white, but in the sunshine they were quite white and very impressive! They’re made of chalk. I’m a little ashamed to say that at the age of 29 I had no idea how blackboard chalk was made. Turns out it’s made from the rock such as that that makes up the cliffs here. You could tell from all of our filthy chalky runners by the end of the walk. There you go!

We had a great walk along the cliffs. It was pretty windy but we still enjoyed it, with the sun shining overall and lots of pretty wildflowers. Eventually we reached the lighthouse at the end of the walk before heading back to the car.

Shannon let me drive the car home from a while on the way back, as I’ll be borrowing it for Tuesday. It was very nice to drive. The three of us then had a Sunday roast for dinner at the Telegraph in Putney, a really nice pub. We enjoyed a dessert too!

I’ve decided I’ll go to Wimbledon tomorrow and queue up early to try and get a court two ticket to support Alex de Minaur. Wish me luck!

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox