The Guildhall Vaults was one of the oldest public houses in Dover, being founded in 1690. It is reputed to have stood upon the site of the Dover Guildhall, where the Assizes were held. A secret passage from the Guildhall Vaults to the Western Heights is said to be used for moving prisoners. The Vaults was a popular rendezvous for seafaring men. Trinity House pilots in particular. It was known all over the world. The first oil bomb to fall on Dover landed right in the middle of Bench Street during the early hours of October 6th, 1943. 'The deadly fuel it contained set fire to the historic Guildhall Vaults and adjoining tobacconist's shop and a shoe shop opposite. All three premises were completely gutted and German communiques mentioned large fires in the Dover area. (1) The site was redeveloped in 1955 as The Dover Tavern, and is still a public house today: The Duchess (2016).

<1> East Kent Messenger, 1955, East Kent Messenger: First, oil bomb hit the old "Guildhall Vaults" (Newspaper). SKE31820.