Miniature docks from 1815 goes on display

A miniature replica of Dover Docks created from before the days of photography is the centrepiece of a new exhibition which opened in the town's museum this week.

Models of buildings which have since been demolished will be displayed in miniature to show what sites like The Garrick's Head pub in Market Square and the docks looked like in the past.

The models have been gathered as a themed display, Dover in Miniature, which will be housed in the gallery until April 2026.

Jon Iveson, Dover District Council's head of museums, said he loved the models as they were "created by people who were there, who would have walked the streets and knew what colour they were painted and how many windows they had".

He added: "The idea was to produce a thematic exhibition rather than a timeline. It's about the things themselves because very seldom do we get all the models out in one go."

"As people change, the way we interpret history has to change so this says more about how we learn than anything".

All of the models are part of Dover Museum's collection and have been gathered together especially for the event.

The replica of the docks, from 1815, was created by harbour master James Moon who had plans to modernise the area.

The model of The Garrick's Head, dating back to 1903, was used to contest a planning application for the extension of a building opposite the pub.

It allowed planners to remove the proposed extra floor and see for themselves how much light would be lost. The pub landlord won his court case.

Other models on display include a scene depicting the building of the Dover Turret on Admiralty Pier, which showed the work need to move its two eight-tonne guns into place.

The exhibition also displays dolls houses and their tiny furniture as well as a wide range of model ships, toys and a tiny model garden with its own crazy paving.

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