When speaking of literature and great literary works, Dover is the last town to occur to anyone; nevertheless, it is a hidden gem with a whole lot of great stories to share. Besides that, Dover is situated in the southeast of England, and it is famous for its white cliffs and its ancient seaport. But if you scratch the surface, there is so much literary referencing occurring, and any book lover will feel like they have entered fanboy/fangirl heaven. Historic writers once strolled its streets, and the modern town has been immortalized in books turning in its pages. Dover continues to be a literary treasure trove as rich as that forgotten book at the back of the bookshelf.
Ah, Charles Dickens. Victorian England probably wouldn’t even be a literary theme if it wasn’t for the man and his commanding powers. Oh, one more interesting detail: Dickens had rather a tendre for Dover, as for some reason, he associated it with. Oh yes, he wasn’t just about muddy and grimy London streets and socio-political depressions; he adored good seashore holidays as well. Visiting Dover was, over the years, a beloved pastime of Charles Dickens, who, at the hotel at that time, was famous nationwide – Lord Warden Hotel. And this is not just any hotel, of course. Once, they said it was a cool spot. The sort of place that you could sit around having tea and say, ‘Well, you know what would look great on the wall next to this sculpture? A watercolor painting.’ Some say Dover even served as an inspiration for Dickens’ novels. In “David Copperfield,” the protagonist passes through the town on his way to adventure, and Dickens captures the essence of Dover’s charm with his usual wit and flair.
If you’re strolling around Dover, imagine ol’ Charles himself ambling along the wonderful and historical Dover railroad or gazing out at the vast Channel, probably thinking, “This would make a great metaphor someday.”
Okay, so Jane Austen wasn’t exactly setting her novels in Dover, but the town still has a little claim to fame when it comes to this literary legend. Austen visited Dover while traveling to the continent but could only afford a short stay at this charming site; nevertheless, it wouldn’t require a lot of imagination to believe that the author couldn’t help observing the peculiarities of the inhabitants. Austen had a way of making simple conversations full of social satire, so perhaps she got a little inspiration while taking tea in a Dover tea room? Perhaps those intense looks Mr. Darcy is giving the viewer have something to do with the weather over the channel. Or maybe not. Either way, it was a very small piece in the path that Maine had set for her, but hey, we’ll take it, Dover.
Well, my dear readers, why don’t we move on to the big shot and the man who needs no introduction, William Shakespeare? Okay, so he wasn’t chilling in Dover per se, but he definitely gave the town a shoutout in King Lear. Remember that heart-wrenching scene where Gloucester plans to end it all? Shakespeare placed it atop Dover’s cliffs, a location so dramatic it’s basically begging for a theatrical moment. “Come on, Edgar,” you can almost hear Shakespeare thinking, “let’s set this on a ridiculously high, windy cliff. That’ll get the audience leaning in.” The cliffs’ raw, wild beauty served as the perfect backdrop for the scene’s emotional weight. And while Shakespeare probably never visited Dover himself, the mention immortalized the town in one of his greatest works.
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Let’s fast-forward a bit to the world of fast cars, shaken martinis, and international espionage. Ian Fleming, the genius behind James Bond, also had a thing for Dover. During World War II, Fleming worked for British Naval Intelligence, and Dover’s proximity to mainland Europe made it a key strategic location. While there’s no definitive proof that Dover directly inspired Bond’s escapades, it’s fun to imagine Fleming walking the same streets and cliffs, cooking up daring plots and suave one-liners. And let’s face it, if 007 ever needed to make a quick getaway, Dover’s iconic white cliffs would make for a killer backdrop.
Dover also played a significant role in the life of war poet Rupert Brooke. Known for his patriotic verse and devastatingly good looks (seriously, Google him), Brooke often visited Dover for some much-needed inspiration. During World War I, Dover was a hub of military activity, and Brooke’s poetry reflects the tension, beauty, and heartbreak of the time. His famous poem “The Soldier” captures the bittersweet patriotism of war, and while he didn’t write it in Dover, the town’s atmosphere certainly influenced his work.
If you’re a die-hard literary fan (or just love pretending to be one), Dover has plenty of spots to explore. Start with the White Cliffs, of course. Not only are they stunning, but they’re also steeped in literary history. Stand at the edge, feel the wind in your hair, and recite a little Shakespeare for dramatic effect. Next, visit the Dover Museum. While it’s not exclusively literary, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s history, which often intersects with its literary connections. And don’t miss the aforementioned Lord Warden Hotel—it’s not just a fancy building; it’s a piece of literary history.
While Dover’s literary heyday might be rooted in the past, the town continues to inspire writers and artists today. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural significance makes it a magnet for creatives. Whether you’re penning a novel, snapping photos for your blog, or just soaking in the vibes, Dover has a way of sparking the imagination.
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Dover’s storied past has also made it a favorite setting for historical fiction. With its strategic importance during wartime and its role as a gateway to Europe, it’s no wonder that novelists have used this town as a backdrop for tales of intrigue, romance, and survival. From smuggling rings in the 18th century to daring escapes during World War II, Dover’s rich history provides endless fodder for storytelling.
Authors like Patrick O’Brian and C.S. Forester, known for their nautical adventures, might not explicitly name Dover, but the Channel’s presence in their works hints at the region’s influence. The town’s historic role as a hub for sailors and traders ensures that its legacy remains embedded in many maritime tales and local stories, both real and fictional.
So there you have it—a literary tour of Dover that’s equal parts fascinating and fun. From Dickens’ seaside retreats to Shakespeare’s dramatic cliffs, this charming town has left its mark on the literary world in more ways than one. Next time you’re in Dover, take a moment to appreciate its quieter side. Sure, the cliffs are iconic, and the port is bustling, but beneath it all lies a rich tapestry of stories just waiting to be discovered. And who knows? Maybe you’ll leave with a story of your own to tell.
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