Campaigners are demanding that the derelict site of Dover's historic Crypt Restaurant be transformed into a permanent memorial garden ahead of the 50th anniversary of the horrific fire that claimed seven lives. The Crypt Memorial Group has announced it will host a special wreath-laying ceremony on March 27, 2027, to honour the victims of the blaze that tore through the popular Bench Street venue on the night of March 27, 1977.
Victims Remembered
The 1977 disaster remains one of the darkest nights in Dover's modern history. The fire claimed the lives of five members of the resident Clay family – including three young children – as well as a visitor from London and a 31-year-old local fireman who died in the line of duty. Those who tragically lost their lives were: Leading Fireman John Sharp, 31; Marion Clay, 32; Shane Clay, 6; Charlotte Clay, 18 months; Janusia Ashton, 7; Anita Lee, 19; and Phyllis Conlon, 43.
Commemorative Plans
The group is appealing for relatives of those who died, former staff, and anyone connected to the restaurant to get in touch to help shape the commemorations. In 2019, for the 42nd anniversary, nearly 200 residents and firefighters gathered at the site to unveil a commemorative plaque in the nearby underpass. Organisers warn that without that plaque, the sheer scale of the tragedy would risk being forgotten by younger generations.
Call for Memorial Garden
The Bench Street site currently sits empty behind construction hoardings. The memorial group, led by Councillor Graham Wanstall, is calling on Dover District Council to install historical photographs and information panels on the hoardings so passers-by can learn about the history of the site. In the longer term, the group is lobbying for the footprint of the old building to be formally designated as a public commemorative garden.
Cllr Wanstall said: “At a recent meeting, we decided to lay a wreath for the 50th anniversary of this tragic fire next year. We will be in touch with the relatives who lost loved ones, just as we were in 2019 when we installed the commemorative plaque. We would like the site to be a memorial garden to mark this important anniversary. We are hoping people will get in touch with other ideas to help us mark this important day for Dover, especially those connected with the Crypt restaurant in any way.”
If you have memories of the Crypt Restaurant, ideas for the 50th anniversary, or are a relative of those lost, the organisers would like to hear from you. Call Cllr Wanstall on 07894 156411.
