Dover, England

The straits of Dover separate the European continent from the British islands at its smallest distance and it has been a major trade route since before the Iron Age. As a proof of the historic (nautical) importance of this city stands the big castle built by William the Conqueror in 1066. The Saxon Church next to it is even older, from the 7th century AD. The Church tower is the eldest part and is actually a 2000 year old roman “pharos” or light house, designated to guide the galleys across the straits from the French village of Wissant. Dover was an important port of Roman Britain from the time of its occupation in 54 BC. It became a Saxon stronghold in the 4th century AD. In the 11th century, after the Norman Conquest, Dover was enfranchised as one of the Cinque Ports (a quasi-independent group of five English Channel ports supplying naval defense). During World War I, Dover Harbor served as the base for the flotilla known as the Dover Patrol, which was responsible for keeping the straits open to shipping. In World War II, Dover was repeatedly subjected to German bombing raids and to shelling by German guns entrenched at Cap Gris-Nez, France. The town was extensively damaged and has since undergone much rebuilding. Overlooking the town from the eastern heights of the chalk cliffs is the large Dover Castle, which was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror on the site of earlier Roman and Saxon structures. It is a noteworthy example of medieval fortification and includes the nearly intact remains of a Roman lighthouse. In the town are ruins of the Maison Dieu (House of God) founded in the 13th century by the English statesman Hubert de Burgh as a hospice for pilgrims from all lands. Freight traffic is also important to the port of Dover, but this business faces increasing competition from the trains of the channel tunnel, which can move freight faster than boats can.