Dovers Western Heights, one of the Deal Dover and Sandwich Kent areas most historic tourist attractions and areas of outstanding natural beauty and breathtaking walks.
Explore Dover's Hidden Fortress!
What is the Western Heights Preservation Society?
The Western Heights Preservation Society (WHPS)is a volunteer-run organisation set up for the conservation, preservation, and interpretation of the Western Heights fortifications as a tourist attraction in Dover close to Deal and Sandwich Kent.
It was established in July 2000 with the following aims:
· Promoting and publicising the Western Heights as a prime tourist attraction in Dover.
· Clearing, tidying and protecting the built heritage.
· Collecting and spreading information about the Western Heights.
· Working towards improving public access and walkways to parts of the Western Heights site that are currently inaccessible making it ideal for walkers in the Dover Deal and Sandwich Kent area.
What is Dover’s Western Heights?
The Western Heights of Dover close to Deal and Sandwich Kent, are one of the most impressive fortifications in Britain and one of the best tourist attractions in the area. They comprise a series of forts, strong points and ditches, designed to protect the country from invasion. Work began in the 1770s, and continued through the Napoleonic Wars until 1814 when construction ceased following the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte.
With the rise of Napoleon III during the 1850s and increasing international tensions, the fortifications in Dover were completed with several modifications and improvements.
The signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904 between France and Great Britain removed any French threat, and the site was used as barrack accommodation until after the Second World War.
The Work of the WHPS
Discover the Western Heights
The larger the WHPS grows, so does the work planning and organising many of the events and activities that make Dover's Western Heights such an exciting tourist attraction.
Each year, the WHPS is involved with open days, lecture evenings and visits and walks. Help is always welcome in the planning and co-ordination of fund raising and other activities.
Protecting the Heights
The landscape around the fortifications at Dover Western Heights needs to be continually managed to ensure that undergrowth is not endangering or undermining the historic buildings. This makes the site particularly suitable for walkers to enjoy the stunning views.
Work has also been undertaken in conjunction with English Heritage to preserve the historic structures and assistance is continually required with this.
Research
The Society is keen to hear from people who worked, lived or played at the Heights or from people who would like to help research this and other areas.
Join Up
There is a lot of work to be done on the Dover Western Heights. The majority of the site is only accessible externally, the buildings being boarded and sealed for safety. With the help of its members the WHPS wants to make sure the area is protected for the future and to help people understand the importance of this site.
Anyone interested in helping out in any of the areas above or in any other way can contact the Society for further information and for details of membership.
Contact us
To join the Dover Western Heights Preservation Society and help protect the future of these valuable fortifications or simply to find out more please contact:
WHPS
PO BOX 366
DEAL, Kent. CT14 9XY
E-mail: secretary@dover-western-heights.org
Web: www.dover-western-heights.org
www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk
The Western Heights in Dover, close to Deal and Sandwich Kent is also a Local Nature Reserve and a leaflet about the wildlife of the site, including circular walks around the Heights, is available from the White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806)
Please Mention
The Best Of Deal Dover and Sandwich
when you visit the Western Heights in Dover Kent.