With evidence of settlement by Romans, Saxons and Jutes in the area, Folkestone’s long history is interwoven with rejuvenation.
The former fishing town once stood in the shadows of its coastal neighbours in Kent and Sussex, but major events changed its course of direction. A harbour was built in the early 19th century, from where steamships departed for Boulogne, followed by the railway from London.
Reconstruction after heavy air raids during both World Wars attracted holidaymakers and daytrippers and the arrival of high-speed trains and the Channel Tunnel accelerated the town’s development at the start of the millennium.
Shorts
Since 2008, the town has held a major arts triennial, for which commissioned artworks have found a permanent home around the seafront and on the hillsides. It is now the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art and includes more than 70 pieces of work by Tracey Emin, Yoko Ono and others. For a map and more information, see creativefolkestone.org.uk.
