Foundation Dover College

in 1869 robert chignell, had private school @ westmount, in folkestone road, leased part of dover priory buildings private school. passed on interest, however, group of leading citizens , local businessmen in dover, led mayor of dover, dr. astley, had formed dover college company promote foundation of public school town on remained of priory site dual intention of providing public school education local boys , of using , preserving priory s remaining ancient buildings.

it set in grounds , ruins of priory of st. martin, ransacked king henry viii part of dissolution of monasteries. priory gives name dover s main railway station built on western part of priory site. of original medieval buildings remain. 12th century strangers refectory still used eating hall , concerts (it grade ii* listed). college chapel priory guesthouse, built in 12th century, grade ii* listed. bell tower added in late 19th century. gatehouse of priory (also listed) used music room. central lawn of school still referred close. composer thomas tallis organist priory in late 16th century, , commemorated in naming of college s tallis music school.

the college founded , opened boys school on 15 september 1871. end of first term there 21 boys in school, , end of next summer 32 had joined them. acquired large hall, or guest-house, in 1879 , converted school chapel enlarging east end apse. in time, ecclesiastical commissioners made on whole property college trustees. refectory restored, revealing important damaged fresco, (in 1881, mark charitable act sir richard dickenson mayor of dover) gatehouse. gatehouse restored celebrated architect george edmund street , used music room junior department.