The White Cliffs of Dover have gained a philosopher-in-residence to delve into their significance to the British. What factors and figures contributed to shaping these chalk cliffs into a national emblem?
For many, the White Cliffs of Dover serve as a quintessential symbol of Britain, much like the Statue of Liberty embodies America for many.
The National Trust has appointed Julian Baggini as a philosopher-in-residence to delve into the importance of this iconic stretch of the Kent coastline, which it already owns and aims to expand through fundraising efforts.
Julian Baggini will spend time at the chalk cliffs to document his observations and thoughts through writing and blogging.
“The White Cliffs of Dover hold a unique place in the collective imagination, resonating even with those who have never laid eyes on them,” he remarks.
Often associated with World War II and Dame Vera Lynn, the cliffs are consistently voted among Britain’s most cherished landmarks. But what other influences contributed to their significance among Britons?
Caesar
Prior to Dame Vera Lynn’s impact, Julius Caesar played a significant role in elevating the cliffs’ profile.
In his work Commentarii De Bello Gallico, known as the Commentaries on the Gallic War, Caesar provided what is believed to be the earliest firsthand account of Britain.
Caesar’s initial impression of Britain in 55BC depicted it as a rugged island with imposing natural defenses, as recounted by historian Dan Snow.
Upon his arrival, Caesar encountered the towering cliffs and hostile indigenous forces stationed atop them, prompting him to seek a safer landing spot further along the coast, according to Snow.
Thus, the cliffs and their strategic significance were documented for posterity.
Caesar viewed the cliffs as a formidable barrier that hindered his invasion plans, notes Virginia Portman from the National Trust.
“The cliffs are perceived as offering the nation a sense of protection, serving as a deterrent to unwanted intruders,” she explains.
Shakespeare
The renowned playwright Shakespeare notably brought attention to the cliffs in his play King Lear, to the extent that one of the cliffs is named after him.
The pivotal scene in the play unfolds on and around the white cliffs of Dover. In this moment, the blinded Earl of Gloucester contemplates throwing himself from the cliffs and delivers the famous lines:
“There is a cliff, whose high and bending head looks fearfully in the confined deep: Bring me to the very brim of it, and I’ll repair the misery thou dost bear…”
This carefully chosen setting underscores the scene’s gravity and significance.
“The scene is widely recognized,” remarks Dr. Stephen Purcell, a professor of English and Comparative Literary Studies at Warwick University. “Shakespeare uses the cliffs symbolically as a boundary between the known and the unknown, land and sea, high and low, Britain and the outside world, transcending the typical tragic genre.”
Where Charles II returned as king
The cliffs have witnessed numerous pivotal moments in British history, including the return of Charles II as king after years of exile.
In May 1660, Charles II arrived at Dover from the Hague, stepping onto British soil with the iconic white cliffs towering behind him. The event was marked by a jubilant crowd, with many spectators on the cliffs and a celebratory cannon firing from Dover Castle.
Dover’s significance as a historical welcoming point for royalty made it the fitting location for Charles’ return. Over time, Dover Castle became known as “the key to England.”
“Dover held great importance for royalty,” explains Gareth Wiltshire, the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Experience manager. “It served as a customary site for welcoming overseas dignitaries, offering accommodation at the castle. Therefore, it was a natural choice for his return.”
“The cliffs symbolize a steadfast presence that resonates with the British identity.
“Serving as both a protective barrier and a visible link to France, they embody a dual symbolism.”
A place of firsts
While Julius Caesar’s account marks the first documented description of Britain, the cliffs have hosted many other significant milestones that have etched them into public memory. They housed the world’s inaugural electric lighthouse and served as the site of Guglielmo Marconi’s groundbreaking international radio transmission.
The South Foreland Lighthouse, constructed in 1843, guided ships through treacherous waters near the Goodwin Sands. Marconi utilized this location for his pioneering work with radio waves, receiving the first international transmission from Wimereux, France, in 1899.
There is speculation that the cliffs may have influenced the earliest name of the country. The term Albion is believed to derive from the Latin albus, meaning white, although an alternate etymology suggests a Proto-Indo-European root for “hill.”
“Moreover, the cliffs mark the spot where the sun rises first in the UK during winter,” adds Wiltshire. “This makes them the initial point in the UK to welcome the New Year.”
Sign of peace
While witnessing dramatic historical events like the evacuation of British forces from Dunkirk during WWII, the cliffs have come to symbolize peace for many individuals, despite their associations with war and invasions.
The WWII song The White Cliffs of Dover, performed by Dame Vera Lynn, resonates with millions. The lyrics convey a message of hope and peace:
“There’ll be love and laughter, and peace ever after, tomorrow, when the world is free…”
Historian John Guy notes that for returning soldiers, the cliffs represented a symbol of homecoming, safety, and tranquility.
The cliffs’ white hue holds significance as a symbol of innocence and peace, as highlighted by Wiltshire.
