Eight hundred years ago Dover was a bustling and strategically important port town on the southeastern coast of England. The town, nestled between the iconic white cliffs, served as a primary gateway to the continent. A vital hub for trade, travel, and military defence.

As the Franciscans arrived on the beaches, they would have seen a lively scene with ships and boats anchored in the harbour. Some boats unloading goods and passengers. Other boats prepared to set sail for various destinations across the Channel.
The waterfront would have been crowded with merchants, sailors, and travellers. What a vibrant and noisy atmosphere!

Above the town was Dover Castle This imposing fortress perched on the cliffs and already several centuries old by the 13th century. The castle’s towering keep and thick walls served as a formidable defence against potential invaders. This was a symbol of royal authority.

Dover town itself comprised narrow, winding streets lined with timber-framed houses and shops. Market stalls selling a variety of goods, from fresh fish and produce to textiles and other wares.

Several churches and monastic buildings were already in Dover. St. Mary’s Church, played a central role in the spiritual lives of its inhabitants.

The arrival of the Franciscans, with their distinctive robes and commitment to poverty, would have added a new dimension to the religious landscape of Dover, heralding the beginning of their mission in England.