Welcome to Folkestone
CLICK FOR 2021 CENSUS DATAIntroduction
Folkestone is a port town on the English Channel, in Kent, south-east England. The town lies on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs. It was an important harbour and shipping port for most of the 19th and 20th centuries. There has been a settlement in this location since the Mesolithic era. A nunnery was founded by Eanswith, granddaughter of Ethelberht of Kent in the 7th century, who is still commemorated as part of the town's culture. During the 13th century it subsequently developed into a seaport and the harbour developed during the early 19th century to provide defence against a French invasion. Folkestone expanded further west after the arrival of the railway in 1843 as an elegant coastal resort, thanks to the investment of the Earl of Radnor under the urban plan of Decimus Burton. In its heyday - during the Edwardian era - Folkestone was considered the most fashionable resort of the time, visited by royalties - amongst them Queen Victoria and Edward VII and other members of the English aristocracy. The architecture of the town, especially in the West End part of the town is a testimony of this period with many impressive buildings, townhouses, villas, private squares and large hotels built to accommodate the gentry. After two world wars and the boom of the overseas holiday package, the town quickly declined. The harbour's trade diminished following the opening of the nearby Channel Tunnel and the ending of ferry services from Folkestone, but it still remains in active use.
Parish Information
Parish statistics
Area |
1,471 hectares |
|---|---|
Population |
47,347 (2021) |
Density |
3,218 people/km2 |
Mean age |
39.1 |
Ward |
Broadmead |
District |
Shepway |
Postcodes |
CT18, CT19, CT20 |
ONS ID |
E04005040 |
Council
Contact details for Folkestone Parish Council, including current councillors, precept data and election results.
Education
View educational establishments in Folkestone Parish. Data includes OFSTED rating and current appointed governors.
Business
Business directory listing local businesses operating within Folkestone Parish.
Planning
View recent planning applications submitted for Folkestone Parish.
Property
Price paid data for all property sold in Folkestone Parish since 2018. Includes average prices for each property type.
Heritage
Local heritage sites, historic churches, heritage pubs plus local heritage initiatives for Folkestone Parish.
Local News
Hosted and licensed by Kent Online
Temporary library to open after water damage closed historic site last year
Published: 8th Nov 2023
Hosted and licensed by The Guardian
Council changes name because no one knows where it is
Published: 18th Jan 2018