Dover College
Encyclopedia
Dover College is a co-educational independent school
in Dover
in southeast England
. It was founded in 1871, and takes both day pupils and boarders.
The school occupies some of the medieval buildings of Dover Priory
, on a site just east of the eponymous railway station
.
buildings for a private school. He passed on his interest, however, to a group of leading citizens and local businessmen in Dover, led by the Mayor
of Dover
, Dr. Astley, who had formed the Dover College Company to promote the foundation of a public school for the town on what remained of the Priory site with the dual intention of providing a public school education for local boys and of using and thus preserving the Priory's remaining ancient buildings.
It is set in the grounds and ruins of the Priory of St.Martin, which was ransacked by King Henry VIII as part of his dissolution of the monasteries. The priory gives its name to Dover's main railway station
which was built on the western part of the priory site. Some of the original medieval buildings remain. The 12th century Strangers' Refectory is still used as an eating hall and for concerts (it is Grade II* listed). The college chapel was originally the priory guesthouse, it was built in the 12th Century, it is Grade II* listed.
The bell tower was added in the late C19th. The gatehouse of the priory (also listed) is used as a music room. The central lawn of the school is still referred to as The Close. The composer, Thomas Tallis
, was organist to the priory in the late C16th and he is commemorated in the college's Tallis Music School.
The College was founded and opened modestly as a boys' school on 15 September 1871 and by the end of the first term there were already 21 boys in the school; by the end of the next summer another 32 had joined them. It acquired the large hall, or guest-house, in 1879 and converted it into a school chapel by enlarging the east end into an apse. In time, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
made over the whole property to the College Trustees. The refectory was restored, revealing an important but damaged fresco, as (in 1881, to mark a charitable act by Sir Richard Dickenson the then mayor of Dover) was the gatehouse. The Gatehouse was restored by the celebrated architect George Edmund Street
and is currently used as the music room for the Junior Department.
and the decision was finally taken to evacuate the College from Dover to Leamington College in Leamington Spa
in the Midlands; the school returned to Dover in 1919 with only 150 pupils. During World War I
, in common with many other schools, Old Dovorians became officers in the British Armed Forces and as a result suffered high casualty rates. 177 former pupils died; 58 Dovorians were awarded the DSO
and 89 the MC - of the foreign awards 8 were awarded Croix de Guerre
and 6 the Russian Order of Saint Stanislas. One Naval officer - Arthur Leyland Harrison
- posthumously received the Victoria Cross
for the Zeebrugge raid
; another old boy, Gen Sir Reginald Dallas Brooks, was also on that raid and won his DSO before going on to become Governor of Victoria.
In 1921 the Jubilee of the School was celebrated, including the dedication of the War Memorial and the Bell Memorial in the Chapel. 1922 a trust set up by the old boys took ownership of the College and in 1923 it was reconstituted with a Royal Charter
, which defined its aims:
During the Second World War, Dover
was on the front line
, with only the Straits of Dover separating the town from Nazi
-occupied France
, and one of the most likely areas for a German
invasion. As a result, the school was again evacuated
, initially for a term to Blundell's School
in Devon with which Dover College had a long standing friendship, and thence to Poltimore House
, also in Devon
. It returned to Dover in 1945 with 168 boys. During the war 102 former pupils died; Lt Col Terence Otway
won a famous DSO for his action in capturing the Merville Battery on D-Day.
In 1974, Dover College was one of the first English public schools to become co-educational, and in September 2001 it opened a junior department for pupils aged 4–11.
dividing his cloak, which he shared with a beggar. See the episode of the cloak. Martin of Tours is patron saint
of France, and therefore appropriate for the English school closer than any other to France.
Independent school
An independent school is a school that is independent in its finances and governance; it is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operations, nor reliant on taxpayer contributions, and is instead funded by a combination of tuition charges, gifts, and in some cases the...
in Dover
Dover
Dover is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, and lies south-east of Canterbury; east of Kent's administrative capital Maidstone; and north-east along the coastline from Dungeness and Hastings...
in southeast England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. It was founded in 1871, and takes both day pupils and boarders.
The school occupies some of the medieval buildings of Dover Priory
Dover Priory
The Priory of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Martin of the New Work, or Newark, commonly called Dover Priory, was a priory at Dover in southeast England...
, on a site just east of the eponymous railway station
Dover Priory railway station
Dover Priory railway station is the main station in Dover in Kent, with the other station being Kearsney situated on the outskirts of Dover. . All train services are provided by Southeastern...
.
Foundation
In 1869 Robert Chignell, who had a private school at Westmount, in Folkestone Road, leased part of the Dover PrioryDover Priory
The Priory of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Martin of the New Work, or Newark, commonly called Dover Priory, was a priory at Dover in southeast England...
buildings for a private school. He passed on his interest, however, to a group of leading citizens and local businessmen in Dover, led by the Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Dover
Dover
Dover is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, and lies south-east of Canterbury; east of Kent's administrative capital Maidstone; and north-east along the coastline from Dungeness and Hastings...
, Dr. Astley, who had formed the Dover College Company to promote the foundation of a public school for the town on what remained of the Priory site with the dual intention of providing a public school education for local boys and of using and thus preserving the Priory's remaining ancient buildings.
It is set in the grounds and ruins of the Priory of St.Martin, which was ransacked by King Henry VIII as part of his dissolution of the monasteries. The priory gives its name to Dover's main railway station
Dover Priory railway station
Dover Priory railway station is the main station in Dover in Kent, with the other station being Kearsney situated on the outskirts of Dover. . All train services are provided by Southeastern...
which was built on the western part of the priory site. Some of the original medieval buildings remain. The 12th century Strangers' Refectory is still used as an eating hall and for concerts (it is Grade II* listed). The college chapel was originally the priory guesthouse, it was built in the 12th Century, it is Grade II* listed.
The bell tower was added in the late C19th. The gatehouse of the priory (also listed) is used as a music room. The central lawn of the school is still referred to as The Close. The composer, Thomas Tallis
Thomas Tallis
Thomas Tallis was an English composer. Tallis flourished as a church musician in 16th century Tudor England. He occupies a primary place in anthologies of English church music, and is considered among the best of England's early composers. He is honoured for his original voice in English...
, was organist to the priory in the late C16th and he is commemorated in the college's Tallis Music School.
The College was founded and opened modestly as a boys' school on 15 September 1871 and by the end of the first term there were already 21 boys in the school; by the end of the next summer another 32 had joined them. It acquired the large hall, or guest-house, in 1879 and converted it into a school chapel by enlarging the east end into an apse. In time, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
Ecclesiastical Commissioners
Ecclesiastical Commissioners were, in England and Wales, a body corporate, whose full title is Ecclesiastical and Church Estates Commissioners for England. The commissioners were authorized to determine the distribution of revenues of the Church of England, and they made extensive changes in how...
made over the whole property to the College Trustees. The refectory was restored, revealing an important but damaged fresco, as (in 1881, to mark a charitable act by Sir Richard Dickenson the then mayor of Dover) was the gatehouse. The Gatehouse was restored by the celebrated architect George Edmund Street
George Edmund Street
George Edmund Street was an English architect, born at Woodford in Essex.- Life :Street was the third son of Thomas Street, solicitor, by his second wife, Mary Anne Millington. George went to school at Mitcham in about 1830, and later to the Camberwell collegiate school, which he left in 1839...
and is currently used as the music room for the Junior Department.
20th century
In August 1917, part of the school was damaged during an air raidAirstrike
An air strike is an attack on a specific objective by military aircraft during an offensive mission. Air strikes are commonly delivered from aircraft such as fighters, bombers, ground attack aircraft, attack helicopters, and others...
and the decision was finally taken to evacuate the College from Dover to Leamington College in Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa, commonly known as Leamington Spa or Leamington or Leam to locals, is a spa town in central Warwickshire, England. Formerly known as Leamington Priors, its expansion began following the popularisation of the medicinal qualities of its water by Dr Kerr in 1784, and by Dr Lambe...
in the Midlands; the school returned to Dover in 1919 with only 150 pupils. During World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, in common with many other schools, Old Dovorians became officers in the British Armed Forces and as a result suffered high casualty rates. 177 former pupils died; 58 Dovorians were awarded the DSO
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
and 89 the MC - of the foreign awards 8 were awarded Croix de Guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
and 6 the Russian Order of Saint Stanislas. One Naval officer - Arthur Leyland Harrison
Arthur Leyland Harrison
Lieutenant-Commander Arthur Leyland Harrison VC was an English Royal Navy officer, and World War I recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.Harrison was born in Torquay,...
- posthumously received the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
for the Zeebrugge raid
Zeebrugge Raid
The Zeebrugge Raid, which took place on 23 April 1918, was an attempt by the British Royal Navy to neutralize the key Belgian port of Bruges-Zeebrugge...
; another old boy, Gen Sir Reginald Dallas Brooks, was also on that raid and won his DSO before going on to become Governor of Victoria.
In 1921 the Jubilee of the School was celebrated, including the dedication of the War Memorial and the Bell Memorial in the Chapel. 1922 a trust set up by the old boys took ownership of the College and in 1923 it was reconstituted with a Royal Charter
Royal Charter
A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...
, which defined its aims:
- The object of the Corporation of Dover College shall be the conduct of a College for boys … in which they may receive a sound religious, classicalClassicsClassics is the branch of the Humanities comprising the languages, literature, philosophy, history, art, archaeology and other culture of the ancient Mediterranean world ; especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome during Classical Antiquity Classics (sometimes encompassing Classical Studies or...
, mathematicalMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, scientificScienceScience is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
and general educationEducationEducation in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
and the doing of such things as are conducive to the attainment of this objective.
During the Second World War, Dover
Dover
Dover is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, and lies south-east of Canterbury; east of Kent's administrative capital Maidstone; and north-east along the coastline from Dungeness and Hastings...
was on the front line
Front line
A front line is the farthest-most forward position of an armed force's personnel and equipment - generally in respect of maritime or land forces. Forward Line of Own Troops , or Forward Edge of Battle Area are technical terms used by all branches of the armed services...
, with only the Straits of Dover separating the town from Nazi
Nazism
Nazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany...
-occupied France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, and one of the most likely areas for a German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
invasion. As a result, the school was again evacuated
Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II
Evacuation of civilians in Britain during the Second World War was designed to save the population of urban or military areas in the United Kingdom from aerial bombing of cities and military targets such as docks. Civilians, particularly children, were moved to areas thought to be less at risk....
, initially for a term to Blundell's School
Blundell's School
Blundell's School is a co-educational day and boarding independent school located in the town of Tiverton in the county of Devon, England. The school was founded in 1604 by the will of Peter Blundell, one of the richest men in England at the time, and relocated to its present location on the...
in Devon with which Dover College had a long standing friendship, and thence to Poltimore House
Poltimore House
Poltimore House is a sixteenth century listed Grade II* manor house just outside Exeter, Devon and originally the Bampfylde family seat. It was a finalist in the first series of BBC Television's Restoration series in 2003.-Visiting:...
, also in Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
. It returned to Dover in 1945 with 168 boys. During the war 102 former pupils died; Lt Col Terence Otway
Terence Otway
Lieutenant-Colonel Terence Brandram Hastings Otway DSO, was a British soldier, best known for his role as commander of the paratroop assault on the Merville Battery on D-Day.-Early life:...
won a famous DSO for his action in capturing the Merville Battery on D-Day.
In 1974, Dover College was one of the first English public schools to become co-educational, and in September 2001 it opened a junior department for pupils aged 4–11.
School Crest
The school crest shows St. MartinMartin of Tours
Martin of Tours was a Bishop of Tours whose shrine became a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Around his name much legendary material accrued, and he has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints...
dividing his cloak, which he shared with a beggar. See the episode of the cloak. Martin of Tours is patron saint
Patron saint
A patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person...
of France, and therefore appropriate for the English school closer than any other to France.
Old Dovorians
Notable alumni, in chronological order, include:- Dr Reginald KoettlitzReginald KoettlitzReginald Koettlitz was a British physician and polar explorer. He participated in the Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition to Franz Josef Land and in the Discovery Expedition to Antarctica....
(1860–1916); Doctor and Polar Explorer - Richard ArthurRichard ArthurRichard Arthur was an Australian politician, social reformer and medical practitioner.-Early life:Arthur was born in Aldershot, Hampshire, England and educated at Dover College. He received a Master of Arts from the University of St Andrews and MB and ChM from the University of Edinburgh...
(1865–1932); Australian politician - Frederic Maugham, 1st Viscount MaughamFrederic Maugham, 1st Viscount MaughamFrederic Herbert Maugham, 1st Viscount Maugham PC, KC was a British lawyer and judge who served as Lord Chancellor from 1938 until 1939 despite having virtually no political career at all....
(1866–1958); Lord Chancellor - Tyrone Power, Sr.Tyrone Power, Sr.Frederick Tyrone Edmond Power was an English-born American stage and screen actor, who acted under the name Tyrone Power.-Early life:Power was born in London in 1869, the son of Harold Littledale Power and Ethel Lavenu...
(1869–1931); Anglo-American actor - O. B. Clarence (1870–1955); English actor
- Edmund Henry ElwinEdmund Henry ElwinEdmund Henry Elwin was born on 18 September 1871 and educated at Dover College and Merton College Oxford where he gained a third class degree in Theology...
(1871–1909); Christian Missionary and Bishop of Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneSierra Leone , officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. Sierra Leone covers a total area of and has an estimated population between 5.4 and 6.4... - Francis Newton ParsonsFrancis Newton ParsonsFrancis Newton Parsons VC was educated at Dover College, joined the Essex Regiment and served in the Second Boer War...
(1875–1900); Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
recipient (Second Boer WarSecond Boer WarThe Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
) - Richard Reginald GouldenRichard Reginald GouldenRichard Reginald Goulden was a sculptor.Born in Dover, he went to school at Dover College from where he won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art...
(1876-19320); portrait sculptor & creator of public memorials - Robert John TillyardRobert John TillyardRobert John Tillyard FRS was an English–Australian entomologist and geologist. He was sometimes known as Robin....
(1881–1937); entomologist and geologist - H. P. M. Beames (1875–1948); engineer
- Adrian StoopAdrian StoopAdrian Stoop was an English rugby union player of Dutch descent.He played 182 times for Harlequins between 1901 and 1939, and won 15 caps for England.He was president of the Harlequins 1920–1949...
(1883–1957); Rugby player after whom the Stoop Memorial groundThe StoopTwickenham Stoop is a sports stadium located in the western suburbs of London, England. The stadium is home to Harlequins rugby union team, who play in the Aviva Premiership, and tenants London Broncos, who play in the Super League...
is named - Arthur Leyland HarrisonArthur Leyland HarrisonLieutenant-Commander Arthur Leyland Harrison VC was an English Royal Navy officer, and World War I recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.Harrison was born in Torquay,...
(1886–1918); Victoria CrossVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
recipient (Zeebrugge RaidZeebrugge RaidThe Zeebrugge Raid, which took place on 23 April 1918, was an attempt by the British Royal Navy to neutralize the key Belgian port of Bruges-Zeebrugge...
.) - The Most Reverend Howard West Kilvinton Mowll D.D. (1890–1958); Archbishop of SydneySydneySydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
and Primate of Australia - Richard AldingtonRichard AldingtonRichard Aldington , born Edward Godfree Aldington, was an English writer and poet.Aldington was best known for his World War I poetry, the 1929 novel, Death of a Hero, and the controversy arising from his 1955 Lawrence of Arabia: A Biographical Inquiry...
(1892–1962); writerWriterA writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
and poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary... - Wilfred NevillWilfred NevillBorn on 14th July 1894, Wilfred Nevill went to school at Dover College where he distinguished himself as a scholar and a games player. He was Head Boy, played in the 1st XV for Rugby, the 1st XI for Hockey, the 1st Running team and was Captain of the Cricket XI...
(1894–1916); led the East Surrey’s “Football Charge” at the Somme - General Sir Dallas BrooksDallas BrooksBrooks made his first-class debut for the Royal Navy against Cambridge University in 1919 as a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm medium. The same season Brooks made his debut for Hampshire against Surrey in the County Championship...
(1896–1966); DSODistinguished Service OrderThe Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
- Zeebrugge RaidZeebrugge RaidThe Zeebrugge Raid, which took place on 23 April 1918, was an attempt by the British Royal Navy to neutralize the key Belgian port of Bruges-Zeebrugge...
; Governor of Victoria - 1949-1963 - Air Marshal Sir Hugh WalmsleyHugh WalmsleyAir Marshal Sir Hugh Sidney Porter Walmsley KCB KCIE CBE MC DFC was a senior commander in the Royal Air Force during and after World War II.-RAF career:...
KCBOrder of the BathThe Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. The name derives from the elaborate mediæval ceremony for creating a knight, which involved bathing as one of its elements. The knights so created were known as Knights of the Bath...
, KCIEOrder of the Indian EmpireThe Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire is an order of chivalry founded by Queen Victoria in 1878. The Order includes members of three classes:#Knight Grand Commander #Knight Commander #Companion...
, CBECBECBE and C.B.E. are abbreviations for "Commander of the Order of the British Empire", a grade in the Order of the British Empire.Other uses include:* Chemical and Biochemical Engineering...
, MC, DFC (1898–1985); Chief of the Air Staff (India)Chief of the Air Staff (India)The head of the Indian Air Force is known as the Chief of the Air Staff . The position was held by an Air Commodore , by an Air Vice-Marshal and by an Air Marshal . In 1965, the position was upgraded to that of an Air Chief Marshal... - Brian Vesey-FitzgeraldBrian Seymour Vesey-FitzgeraldBrian Seymour Vesey-Fitzgerald was a naturalist and writer of books on wildlife, cats, and dogs.Vesey-Fitzgerald began his career as a journalist with Reuters. He then became the naturalist on the staff of The Field magazine, becoming editor from 1938 to 1946. He then devoted his time to writing...
(1900–1981); writer of books about British wildlife - Sir Frederick Ashton OMOrder of MeritThe Order of Merit is a British dynastic order recognising distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture...
, CHCH-Business:* Bemidji Airlines IATA code* Carolina Herrera, a fashion designer based in New York.-Entertainment and sports:* Channel * College Humor.com, a comedy website...
, CBECBECBE and C.B.E. are abbreviations for "Commander of the Order of the British Empire", a grade in the Order of the British Empire.Other uses include:* Chemical and Biochemical Engineering...
(1904–1988); choreographer of the Royal Ballet - Erik ChittyErik ChittyErik Chitty , was an English film and television actor.-Early life:Chitty was the son of a flour miller. He attended Dover College and Jesus College, Cambridge where he was one of the founders of the Cambridge University Mummers, before training at RADA and becoming a professional actor...
(1907–1977); actor and founding member of the Cambridge University Mummers - Edgar ChristianEdgar ChristianEdgar Christian was born on 6 June 1908, the son of Lt Col Frank Christian RA.He attended prep school at the Grange School, Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone and hoped to follow his brother Charles to Marlborough College; in the end he went on to Dover College which was more local, despite the fact the...
(1908–1927); see Cold Burial published in 2002 - Group Captain John Hamar "Johnnie" HillJohn Hamar HillGroup Captain John Hamar “Johnnie” Hill CBE, was born on December 28 1912 and educated at Dover College where he had been a College Prefect and a good games player....
CBECBECBE and C.B.E. are abbreviations for "Commander of the Order of the British Empire", a grade in the Order of the British Empire.Other uses include:* Chemical and Biochemical Engineering...
(1912–1997); Squadron Commander of 504 SquadronNo. 504 Squadron RAFNo. 504 Squadron was one of the Special Reserve Squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force. It was integrated into the AAF proper in 1936. Based at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland, 504 Squadron used a variety of light bombers before being re-tasked to fighters with the Hawker Hurricane in 1939. It subsequently...
and 222 SquadronNo. 222 Squadron RAF-In World War I:The Squadron was formally formed at Thasos on 1 April 1918 from A squadron of the former No. 2 Wing, RNAS when the Royal Air Force was formed. Later, 6 April 1918 former Z Squadron of No. 2 Wing, RNAS was added to the strength. Renumbered No. 62 Wing and consisting of Nos...
RAF in 1940 - Squadron Leader Michael CasanoMichael CasanoMichael Peter Casano MC was a Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force.Casano was born on June 7, 1913 at Folkestone and educated at Dover College...
MC (1913–2006); Commander of No 2 Armoured Car Company RAFNo. 2 Squadron RAF RegimentNo. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment is based at RAF Honington in Suffolk. It is a parachute-trained Field Squadron in the RAF Regiment which is capable of inserting by parachute and securing forward airfields, although this capability has never been put to use in combat operations.-Early history:The unit... - Colonel Terence OtwayTerence OtwayLieutenant-Colonel Terence Brandram Hastings Otway DSO, was a British soldier, best known for his role as commander of the paratroop assault on the Merville Battery on D-Day.-Early life:...
DSODistinguished Service OrderThe Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
(1914–2006); CO of 9 Para on D-Day (Merville Battery) - J. Lee ThompsonJ. Lee ThompsonJohn Lee Thompson , better known as J. Lee Thompson, was an English film director, active in England and Hollywood.- Early years :...
(1914–2002); film director - Sir Derek Palmar (1919–2006); chairman of Bass Brewery
- Admiral Sir Peter WhitePeter White (Royal Navy officer)Admiral Sir Peter White GBE was a Royal Navy officer who ended his career as Chief of Fleet Support.-Naval career:...
GBEGBEGBE or Gbe may refer to:* Gbe languages, a group of languages in West Africa* Gigabit ethernet, a term for transmitting Ethernet frames at a rate of a gigabit per second* Government business enterprise...
(1919–2010); Chief of Fleet SupportSupply OfficerSupply Officer was a specialisation in the British Royal Navy which has recently been superseded by the Logistics Officer, recognising the need to align with the nomenclature and function of similar cadres in the British Army and Royal Air Force... - Sir Donald LuddingtonDonald LuddingtonSir Donald Collin Cumyn Luddington, KBE, CMG, CVO was a British colonial government official and civil servant who served firstly in the Hong Kong Government and became District Commissioner, New Territories and the Secretary for Home Affairs successively, during which he had also served as an...
KBE, CMG, CVORoyal Victorian OrderThe Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
(1920–2009); British colonial government official - The Reverend Mark Turnham Elvins, OFMCapMark ElvinsMark Turnham Elvins, OFMCap, was Warden of Greyfriars, Oxford until its closure in 2008.- Biography :Mark Turnham Elvins was born in 1939 at Whitstable, the son of an Anglican clergyman who had been Rector of St Mary in the Castle, Dover....
(b. 1939); acting Warden of Greyfriars, OxfordGreyfriars, OxfordGreyfriars, situated on the Iffley Road in East Oxford, was one of the smallest constituent Halls of the University of Oxford in England. Its previous status as a Permanent Private Hall referred to the fact that it was governed by an outside institution , rather than by its fellows as is a...
2007/8 - Michael WelshMichael Welsh (Conservative politician)Michael John Welsh is a British politician. After three terms in the European Parliament, he is currently serving on Lancashire County Council as Leader of the Conservative Party group.-Early life:...
(b. 1942); Conservative politician - George LamGeorge LamGeorge Lam Chi Cheung, also known professionally by his surname Lam, is a Hong Kong-based veteran Cantopop singer and actor of Xinhui area origin. Lam studied at the Diocesan Boys' School in Kowloon, Hong Kong...
(b. 1947); Hong Kong film star and singer - Sir Peter Torry, GCVO, KCMG (b. 1948); British AmbassadorAmbassadorAn ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization....
to Germany - Michael KuhnMichael KühnMichael Kühn is a retired German football midfielder.-External links:...
(b. 1949); film director - Guy East (b. 1951); film producer
- Simon CowellSimon CowellSimon Phillip Cowell is an English A&R executive, television producer, entrepreneur, and television personality. He is known in the United Kingdom and United States for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as Pop Idol, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol...
(b. 1959); TV personality - Achim SteinerAchim SteinerAchim Steiner is a German expert in environmental politics. From 2001 to 2006 he was Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources...
(b. 1961); executive director of the United Nations Environment ProgrammeUnited Nations Environment ProgrammeThe United Nations Environment Programme coordinates United Nations environmental activities, assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. It was founded as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972 and has its... - Dai FujikuraDai Fujikurais a Japanese composer of contemporary classical music.-Biography:Dai Fujikura left home in Osaka at 15 and went to study at Dover College in the UK, his adopted home. His initial ambition was to compose music for cinema...
(b. 1977); composer of contemporary classical music - Sammy MooreSammy MooreSammy Leslie Moore is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for AFC Wimbledon.-Early years:Moore was a promising youngster, training in the youth academies of Charlton Athletic and Chelsea. He moved to the academy of Ipswich Town where he was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup...
(b. 1987); professional footballer
Notable Teaching Staff
- Vivian JenkinsVivian JenkinsVivian Gordon James Jenkins was a Welsh rugby union player who, having taught Classics and Games at Dover College, went on to have a successful career as a sports journalist. He won 14 caps for Wales and 1 cap for the British and Irish Lions. He also played first-class cricket with...
, Welsh Rugby Player and vice-captain of the British LionsBritish and Irish LionsThe British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
1938 - George Renwick, headmaster 1934-1954
- Alec PetersonAlec PetersonAlexander Duncan Campbell Peterson OBE was a British teacher and headmaster, greatly responsible for the birth of the International Baccalaureate educational system. He was instrumental in the formation of the International Baccalaureate Organisation in 1968, and served as the organisation's first...
, headmaster 1954-1957 - Jeffrey Archer, taught at the school in the 1960s
- Ralph TownsendRalph TownsendDr Ralph Douglas Townsend is Headmaster of Winchester College. He was previously Headmaster of Oundle School and before that Headmaster of Sydney Grammar School....
, taught at the school in the 1970s
Further reading
- Dover priory: a history of the Priory of St Mary the Virgin and St Martin of the New Work by Charles Reginald Haines (1930) - a comprehensive history of the priory