Last weekend my friends and I had a trip to Dover to hike on the White Cliffs. If you've never been to this place, please do, find a spare weekend to feel the atmosphere of complete freedom and flight of a soul...
The cliffs of Dover were mentioned by Julius Caesar in his account of the Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC. Shakespeare too makes reference to them in 'King Lear' and the lines beginning "There is a cliff, whose high and bending head looks fearfully on the confined deep" are commemorated by Shakespeare Cliff to the west of the town.
Throughout the centuries, the chalk cliffs have been a symbol of home to Britons abroad and coupled with bluebirds in the popular song of World War II, they provided a world-wide symbol of peace.
"Blue Birds Over The White Cliffs Of Dover" by Vera Lynn:
The white cliffs stretch from Kingsdown for 8 miles (12 km) to Dover, then a further 8 miles (12 km from Dover to Folkestone). The white cliffs are about 300 feet (100 metres) high and consist of a rock called chalk. There is only 21 miles between the white cliffs of the South Foreland and the white cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez, near Calais, in France.
The east cliff with its commanding view over the channel is a position of natural strength and has been the site of fortification since the Iron Age. It was at Churchill's insistence that superior artillery positions were maintained along the White Cliffs.
Underground, right beneath the feet, there’s a network of tunnels – effectively just behind the white cliff-face, which were dug centuries ago. The evacuation of Dunkirk was controlled from here.
Underground, right beneath the feet, there’s a network of tunnels – effectively just behind the white cliff-face, which were dug centuries ago. The evacuation of Dunkirk was controlled from here.
And of course the castle itself is a great place to visit...You feel the wind of times as well as its misteries...Sometimes referred to as the, “Key to England", is today one of the main tourist attractions to the town. Hidden deep inside the famous White Cliffs, and under Dover Castle, are a vast network of underground tunnels, first constructed in the Middle Ages.
There are lots of positive emotions, great surprises and cozy smiles I brought back from the trip. You may find some more pictures of it in here
So welcome to the White Cliffs of Dover!
P.S.
Earl of Gloucester: Dost thou know Dover?
Edgar: Ay, master
Earl of Gloucester: There is a cliff whose high and bending head
Looks fearfully in the confined deep
Bring me but to the very brim of it,
And I'll repair the misery thou dost bear
With something rich about me: from that place
I shall no leading need.
~ King Lear Act IV Scene 1
No comments:
Post a Comment