From an email sent to me from Mike Lott, 5 September, 2009.

I have just recently begun to research my family tree and note that in the 1861 census, my great grandfather, William Thomas Lott, at the time a 22 year old mariner (collier) was resident at The "Green Man", in Erith Street, Dover.

At that time (1861) the Head of Household was Mrs Mary Pay, aged 59, who is shown in the census as The Publican.

Interestingly, also living in the pub at that time is her son, Alfred Pay aged 21 a general labourer, but of greater interest to William, is her daughter Eliza, shown aged 19.

Moving on to the 1871 census.

Again at the "Green Man Public House", the Head of Household is shown as William Lott, Mariner, now aged 32.

Now however, he has a wife Eliza (Eliza Pay as it happens!) plus children John aged 6, Eliza aged 2 and Henry aged just 1.

Also living with them is Mary Pay now aged 69, her niece Louisa aged 14, and a visitor Sarah Skinner aged 9.

William Lott and his son John Lott, later worked on the HM Telegraph Company ships "Caroline" and "Alert". William was Master of the "Caroline" and John a Cable hand on the "Alert".

Sailing must have been in the blood, since both my grandfather and father served on the cross channel ferries, then known of course as Packets. I even did a spell on The "Lord Warden" myself one summer holiday - I have never worked so hard since!

Although brought up in the area (my parents moved to River in the 1920s) I have lived in New Zealand for the past thirty years and don't make it back to the UK that often.

I do however, have fond memories of many of the Dover pubs but miss your warm English beer.

In friendship

Mike Lott