United Kingdom, Dover

Dover is a town in Kent, South East England, and United Kingdom. Dover is a major English channel port, also the administrative centre of Dover district. Dover is famous for its white cliffs, which are made of chalk. The cliffs gave Britain its nickname of Albion, meaning "white".

Dover is the gateway to England. Because of its strategic position Dover has always been an important port.

In Roman times Dover was an important harbour. The Romans built a stone fort to protect it and a civilian settlement grew up nearby. It was called Dubris.

In Anglo-Saxon times a fort was built, which was the first part of what became Dover Castle. In 1216, Dover was attacked by the French and successfully defended by Hubert de Burgh. In medieval times Dover became a chief member of the Cinque Ports.

The city was founded in 1683 by William Penn and named after Dover.

In the 18th century Dover was known for its shipbuilding and rope making industries as well as its fishermen. There was also a leather industry in Dover.

In the 20th century Dover became the centre of English Channel defense during World War I. And during World War II the town was repeatedly bombarded by German bombers and long-range guns.

Today Dover continues to be a thriving port. Located 76 miles (122 kilometers) to the east of London, Dover is a major passenger cruise port (as much for cruise ferries as it is for conventional ships) that's considered England's gateway to Europe. It has a population of around 55700.

The town is known around the world for the famous White Cliffs of Dover, the first glimpse of England seen by passengers arriving from the Continent.

The great variety of café, bistrots, pubs, fast foods and american steakhouses, french & italian restaurants, pizzerias, along with asian, indian, mexican restaurants, provide a wide choice of opportunities, when deciding where to go and enjoy a meal!

In Dover many are the pubs with antique traditions, too!