"One of the prettiest watering places on the south coast. The situation is delightful, the air is delicious, and the breezy hills and downs, carpeted with wild thyme and decorated with millions of wild flowers are, on the faith of a pedestrian, perfect." – Charles Dickens.
The name Folkestone was first recorded as far back as the late seventh century in the guise of Folcanstan. The name probably refers to the ‘stone of Folca’, Folca being a common Old English man’s name. Ruins excavated in 1924 revealed buildings dating back prior to the Roman conquest of 43AD and ruins of a Roman villa dating from c100AD. Although originally a small fishing port, Folkestone town dates back to the late 17th century, with the historic church ‘Saint Mary and St Eanswythe'. This church stands as in a garden, and is rich in beautiful memorials, in it lies the remains of King Ethelberts' granddaughter. It was rebuilt as we see it today, between 1856 and 1874. The font is 15th Century. The one at the west end of the south aisle is 200 years older.
Two memorials in bronze stand in the town, one to ‘William Harvey', who was a friend of the sons of Charles 1, famous for his discoveries of human blood flows and the other is a war memorial for soldiers who gave their lives for their country.
Folkestone became a fashionable town during the Victorian and Edwardian era and many features of that era exist today, for example, Spade House, which was once the home of H.G. Wells. There are wide roads, tree lined avenues, cul-de-sacs and crescents and squares of tall terraced houses around open gardens with lawns, ponds, flower beds and winding footpaths, all of which are within easy walking distance of the Home.
Amongst the more popular are Kingsnorth Gardens, a notable example displaying formal Italian style with colourful, all year round shrubs and plants, we are also situated close to Radnor Park, with its trees and flower beds and a large pond, where fishing is permitted. Many town activities are also held in this park throughout the year.
Within three or four minutes walk is "The Leas", a mile long promenade with magnificent views across the English Channel. It has wide walkways and lawns and flower beds and also has a scented garden laid out for the blind or partially sighted. The magnificent Leas Cliff Hall is situated here, with cafes, bars and terraces in a unique cliff-top setting that offers panoramic views across the channel to the coast of France. The Bandstand is nearby, erected in 1895 and is the centre for concerts held throughout the summer. A water operated lift runs down to sea level and the beach where one can stroll or wander, eastward to the old picturesque harbour with its fishing boats, open fish market and shell-fish stalls or westwards through to Sandgate and into Hythe.
There are great plans in line for Folkestone with a large shopping mall of 187 shops and a superstore. Just a short walk down the cobbled Old High Street will lead you down to the harbour where a local billionaire has planned to improve the harbour, build a university and make Folkestone the arts centre of England. The proposed harbour area will be a sheltered and lively year round focus with a marina setting for around 400 berths and offering a range of settings for attractive retail and residential units.
