RachelBirchley.com
  • Home
  • Contact
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Blog
    • Food
    • Lifestyle
    • Outdoors
    • Travel

#BEDM – Five Fascinating Facts About Folkestone

By Rachel Birchley • 8 May 2014 • Life, Lifestyle
Five fascinating facts about Folkestone

To celebrate Local History Month, which is today’s topic for Blog Every Day in May, here are 5 fascinating facts about Folkestone!

1 – Folkestone is home to the world’s highest brick arched viaduct

It was built in 1843 by Sir William Cubitt so the South Eastern Railway could continue their passenger train services to Folkestone Harbour Station where the passengers would jump on a ferry to France before travelling onwards to Paris. Unfortunately, there are no more ferries out of Folkestone and the Harbour station stands derelict. The cool thing is, I can see the viaduct from my house!

Foord viaduct Folkestone from my lounge window

2 – The first nunnery in England was founded in Folkestone

The King of Kent had the nunnery built in around 630 for his daughter St Eanswythe, who is one of the patron saints of our parish church. In the Victorian times, builders were doing work in the church, which originally dates to the twelth century, when they found the remains of a young woman in a lead container within the walls. It’s believed these are St Eanswythe’s relics! This is the church where hubby and I said our vows a year ago.

Hubby and I outside St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church Folkestone. Just hitched!

3 – Millions of troops passed through Folkestone on their way to the front line in WWI

Between 1914 and 1918, the soldiers travelled to Folkestone ready to be transported over to the Western Front. To get down to the harbour, many of the regiments marched down the hill from the town on what is now called the Road of Remembrance. To commemorate the centenary of the first world war this year a memorial arch is being built at the top of the Road of Remembrance, which is going to be officially opened by Prince Harry on 4th August.

4 – The physician who ‘discovered’ circulation was born in Folkestone

Dr William Harvey was born in Folkestone in 1578. He worked out that the heart pumps blood around our bodies while appointed royal physician. There’s a statue of Harvey in Folkestone, looking out towards the sea and he gave his name to the Harvey Grammar School.

William Harvey statue Folkestone

5 – The first person of Afro-Caribbean/mixed heritage to be commissioned as an Infantry into the British Army is from Folkestone

Walter Tull was born in Folkestone in 1888. His father was from Barbados and his mother was born in Kent. Before becoming an Army officer, Walter was a professional footballer and played for Tottenham Hotspur. He was killed in action in France in 1918. He was recommended for a Military Cross for his bravery. What’s strange is that at the time of his parents’ marriage, Walter’s father lived in the road where I live now, practically opposite actually. And what’s even more strange is that apparently we are related somehow but I only found out a couple of years ago!

Walter Tull

Image from The Guardian

Do you have any interesting stories to tell about your local area?

Rachel x

#bedmFolkestonehistory
Tweet
2
#BEDM - Gadget Wish List
#BEDM - What Motivates Me

About the Author

Rachel Birchley

Professional marketer. I live in Folkestone with my hubby and our baby girl.

You Might Also Like

  • SEMrush Content Marathon – Assignment One

  • Folkestone Harbour Arm

  • Afternoon Tea at the Bull’s Head in Chislehurst

  • 5 blogs to inspire twenty-something women

2 Comments

  • Reply Elizabeth @ Rosalilium 9 May 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Oooh, those are fascinating facts. I love the viaduct!

    • Reply Rachel Birchley 9 May 2014 at 11:38 pm

      The viaduct is pretty awesome. At the Folkestone Triennial this year one of the artworks is going to be a wind powered lift up the inside of one of the arches! I’m drafting a post about the upcoming Triennial all about the art in my backyard this summer 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe & Follow

Hey there!

Hey there!

I'm a 30-something mother who works part-time in marketing for a local company. I live in Folkestone, Kent with my husband and daughter. When I get a rare moment to myself, I enjoy writing, baking and photography.

Rachel Birchley

Looking for something?

Rachel BirchleyMember of the Professional Copywriters' Network

Latest Posts

  • SEMrush Content Marathon – Assignment Three

    26 June 2019
  • SEMrush Content Marathon – Assignment Two

    26 June 2019
  • SEMrush Content Marathon – Assignment One

    25 June 2019
  • First time buyers could be nearly £700 per year better off

    25 August 2015
  • Folkestone Harbour Arm

    12 August 2015
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

Rachel Birchley - mummy, wife, marketer and writer

© 2019 Rachel Birchley. All rights reserved.
This site uses cookies More info