Are the White Cliffs of Dover Really White or Painted White ? Why are They called that ?
Yes, in the October of every year ending in a five, the local fishermen run regular boat trips for tourists to watch the specially trained abseiling painters in their dangerous but necessary task. It is necessary because if the cliffs were allowed to get dirty the ferry captains would not be able to see them and would not know when to slow down.
The White Cliffs of Dover are not repainted. They are made of chalk, a type of sedimentary rock that is naturally white in color. The cliffs are constantly being shaped by the forces of erosion, which can cause them to appear different over time. However, they do not require any repainting or maintenance.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle with the cliffs in the foreground — circa 1890 to 1900
Dover Castle, the largest castle in England,[27] was founded in the 11th century. It has been described as the “Key to England” owing to its defensive significance throughout history.[28][29] The castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 and rebuilt for Henry II, King John, and Henry III. This expanded the castle to its current size, taking its curtain walls to the edge of the cliffs. During the First Barons’ War the castle was held by King John’s soldiers and besieged by the French between May 1216 and May 1217. The castle was also besieged in 1265 during the Second Barons’ War. In the 16th century, cannons were installed at the castle, but it became less important militarily as Henry VIII had built artillery forts along the coast. Dover Castle was captured in 1642 during the Civil War when the townspeople climbed the cliffs and surprised the royalist garrison, giving a symbolic victory against royal control. Towards the end of the war many castles were slighted, but Dover was spared
