The white cliffs of Dover are in the southeast of England. The cliffs are made up of an ancient type of rock called chalk. They stretch for 8 kilometers, and they are as high as 110 meters. The white cliffs have been an important landmark for people from many different countries throughout history because they are so high you can see them from ships that sail near the English coast.
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White Cliffs of Dover Facts for Kids
- The cliffs were formed in the Cretaceous period.
- They are about 70 to 120 million years old.
- The white cliffs of Dover are part of the British coastal areas.
- Dover is a town and major ferry port in Kent
- They are part of the North Downs cliff formation
The White Cliffs of Dover conceal a series of tunnels
The White Cliffs of Dover are a natural coastal landmark in the county of Kent. Hidden behind these cliffs is a series of tunnels leading from Dover Castle, created during the Napoleonic War.
These tunnels were enlarged and transformed during World War II. It was used by soldiers to hide safely after attacks along the coastline. Winston Churchill’s had a military headquarters in these tunnels so he could spend time there and be safe.
A visit here may take you back years as your imagination takes you away to the tunnels in use quite literally.
The tunnels were used to store guns, and they also had something called the sound mirror, which is a great way to hear if an enemy is coming.
The White Cliffs of Dover epitomize peace
There is a butterfly species, the Blue Butterfly, found on top of the Cliffs. They are mentioned in a song that was famous from the 1940s by Vera Lynn. This song helped to get people through tough times. The Cliffs have become a symbol of peace.
Besides the blue butterflies, there’s always plenty more, like the jackdaw. There’s also a bird called peregrine falcon and swallows. And if you’re lucky, you might see a bluebird!
Shakespeare was inspired by the Dover Cliffs
One of the cliffs is called Shakespeare Cliff, where the famous author William Shakespeare got his inspiration. The cliffs have been the inspiration for many famous artists. They are also a popular attraction for hikers, who come to enjoy the magnificent views and historical significance of these cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the white cliffs of Dover
The cliffs were formed by the erosion of chalk deposits from the Cretaceous. They have been estimated to be about 70 – 120 million years old.
Why are the white cliffs of Dover famous?
The White Cliffs of Dover are cliffs that form part of the coastline in England on the English Channel. They rise sharply out of the water, and you can see for miles either side of them. One reason why this area of coastline is so famous is that it often appeared in old war films. Dover has been used as a port since Roman times and especially since the Middle Ages when it became an important naval base.
What causes the white cliffs of Dover to be white?
These are made of skeletal remains of tiny planktonic algae that lived in the upper levels of the ocean. After the algae died, they sank to the bottom of the sea. Over millions of years, they were covered with more and more layers of rock. This squeezed them together until they were crushed into chalk. Over millions of years, the seabed was pushed upwards. The chalk was pushed up to where it is now on top of the sea. The chalk is made up of layers of white, flaky limestone rocks.
Can you walk along the white cliffs of Dover
You can take guided walks, which are run by the National Trust. You can also take a trip by boat which will take you along the coastline so you can see the cliffs better.
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The Exmoor ponies are one of the best-known symbols of the white cliffs. The ponies are very curious, and they have been known to walk up to visitors. They play an important role in looking after the land. The ponies eat almost anything, and they are very good at stopping the land from becoming overgrown with grass and weeds by grazing it. They have a highly successful effect on the biodiversity of the chalk grassland, as they are mostly found in open, public grazing lands.
The White Cliffs of Dover are part of the North Downs, a range of chalk-covered hills in the southeastern corner of England that stretch for 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the coast. The cliffs are made up of an ancient type of rock called chalk, which is formed when ancient sea creatures and volcanic eruptions deposit flaky minerals.
The white cliff faces Europe; across the English Channel, they extend from the village of Dover in the east to the village of Deal in the west.
On a clear day, they can be seen from as far away as France with the naked eye.
During world war I and world war II, they were used as a landmark for British boats and planes to ensure they were on the correct side of the channel.
The White Cliffs have been an important landmark for people from many different countries and at many different times in history.
Erosion is a constant problem for the cliffs as they are constantly bombarded by the waves of the English Channel.
The iconic cliffs are a World Heritage Site and one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions.
The cliff face is dangerous, and there are warnings for tourists not to get too close to the cliff edge. However, there are many walking and hiking trails for tourists who want to explore. You can see many of the picturesque villages high up on the cliffs, like Dover.
Fan Bay Deep Shelter is a Second World War air-raid shelter, and it was built between the cliffs. They were built between 20 November 1940 and 28 February 1941, and they were closed in the 1950s. You can read more about them here
The Strait of Dover is a waterway that separates the cliffs from France. Its between the English Channel and the North Sea.
