The history of The White Cliffs is rich with intriguing tales, from its use as a prison in the 19th century to its significant role in safeguarding the country during World War II. Furthermore, vestiges of past industries such as an abandoned tramway and former aerial ropeway still linger within the landscape.
The White Cliffs: in the beginning
The chalk cliffs in Dover offer a comprehensive and easily accessible narrative of chalk formation. Comprising layers of soft, white, finely grained limestone, these cliffs have evolved over millions of years.
How are the chalk cliffs formed?
Originating from minute planktonic green algae that inhabited the ocean, the chalk cliffs formed as these algae perished, sinking to the ocean floor and amalgamating with other organic remnants. Through the passage of time, the seabed emerged above sea level, culminating in the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.
How do they stay white?
The cliffs maintain their white hue due to natural erosion. Areas shielded from erosion by man-made structures, such as the Port of Dover, foster plant growth on the cliff-face, giving it a green appearance when viewed from the sea.
Langdon convict prison
In response to the cessation of prisoner transportation to colonies, convict employment became a challenge. Consequently, a Parliamentary Committee proposed the construction of a 520-acre harbour at Dover using convict labor in 1883. However, the prison shut down in 1896 after just 11 years, much to Parliament’s dismay.
Building begins
Construction swiftly progressed, with the site terraced into four levels and bricks transported by horse tramway from the main road. The prison’s various facilities were completed by April 1885, although the convicts ended up sewing mailbags rather than contributing to the harbor’s construction.
The prison site today
Today, the Visitor Centre occupies part of the former prison site, where remnants of cell blocks are still visible. Traces of the governor’s house are discernible near the current coach park.
An unfinished tramway
Earthworks in 1911-12 aimed to extend the existing Dover tramway line to St Margaret’s and Martin Hill. Despite initial efforts, the project was never finalized, leaving behind remnants of the tramway cutting as a distinctive feature midway between sea-level and the visitor center.
The aerial ropeway
The aerial ropeway at The White Cliffs of Dover was designed to transport coal to the nearby port, providing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to railway transport. Operational from October 1929 until the outbreak of World War II, the ropeway facilitated coal transportation from Tilmanstone mine to Dover Harbour’s eastern arm.
Fan Bay sound mirrors
Serving as early warning detection systems during wartime, sound mirrors focused on capturing sounds from approaching enemy aircraft. Fan Bay boasts two mirrors, one of which dates back to 1917, making it one of the oldest surviving examples nationwide. The mirrors were fully revealed in 2014 after being covered up in the 1970s.
The White Cliffs of Dover at war
During World War II, the White Cliffs of Dover emerged as a strategic military location. Large gun batteries like South Foreland, Wanstone, and Fan Bay were swiftly constructed along the coast to defend against German ships and enemy forces across the Channel.
Disguise and deceit
To conceal the artillery defenses, existing houses were razed, gun pits were camouflaged in gardens, and various techniques were employed to minimize their visibility from the air.
End of an era
Following the conclusion of World War II, coastal batteries became obsolete, leading to their removal. The guns stationed on the White Cliffs significantly impacted enemy vessels during the war.
Dereliction and rediscovery
Post-war, the gun sites reverted to their original owners, with some structures left to nature’s reclamation. The National Trust acquired the land on the cliff tops in 2012, including the Fan Bay Deep Shelter tunnels, which opened to the public in 2015.
Future preservation efforts
The National Trust continues to care for historical sites like Fan Bay, D2 Heavy Anti-aircraft, and Wanstone Farm batteries, undertaking a 3-year project starting in July 2022 to reveal and preserve these significant wartime emplacements.
