Folkestone: A Potted History

Although Folkestone was just a small fishing village on the coast of the English Channel for much of its existence, it has witnessed many significant events in Britain’s history. The Romans established trade routes from the settlement to the Continent, radiating throughout Britain. Successfully settled by the Saxons in later centuries, Christianity arrived through St Augustine and defences were built against Viking invaders. It later became a limb of the Cinque Ports. Folkestone’s strategic position made it a target of attempted French invasions, and defences were strengthened during the threat of invasion by the Spanish Armada and later Napoleon. The coming of the railways transformed the small town into a fashionable resort, but it remained on the front line in the First and Second World Wars. Although the importance of Folkestone’s harbour diminished after the building of the Channel Tunnel, the town is once again enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Illustrated throughout, this accessible historical portrait of the transformation that Folkestone has undergone through the ages will be of great interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the town.