Nostalgic memories of Folkestone's local history

Share your own memories of Folkestone and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 35 in total

Garden House Hotel

My grandparents, Kenneth Gordon and Mavis Lyne Smith, opened this hotel in 1923. The money came partly from Mavis' mother, Harriet, who had been widowed in Barbados c.1897 and was left a substantial amount of money. Harriet purchased the Clifton Hotel and ran it until 1933.

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Added 07 January 2019

Folkestone Swimming Pool

My mum also worked at the swimming pool in the early sixties and I rented out the swimming costumes . I remember Ted and miss Tyrrell was the manageress

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Added 14 February 2018

Old Folkestone High Street

Memories? Many! Worked on the refurbishment of some of the shops on the left of the picture. Often went to the 'pictures' at the Central Cinema in George lane up the top. My late wife worked as secretary for the manager of Plummers at the top. Pre WW2 we used to play up and down the High Street and up onto the Bayle. Then down into South Street. Grandparents bought my first real pair of shoes in a shop ...see more

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Added 21 May 2015

My Grandad And Folkestone Harbour

i remember my grandfather working in the security box at the entrance of folkestone harbour, i remember my grandmother would take me down to him during the morning to take his sandwiches, i would sometimes have to stay with him there because my mother had a long term illness so nan and grandad helped out by looking after me when dad was working or visiting my mum, my grandmother used to work at the ...see more

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Added 16 February 2015

The Leas

In 1969 I,remember my husband and myself being managers of Morrelis Coffee bar in the high street. Taking the baby for a walk down the old harbour in the summer,and listening to the band on the Leas at weekends. Went back a few years ago and didn't recognise the place. Everything changes and not always for the good.

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Added 29 June 2014

Folkestone Open Air Swimming Pool.

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Added 02 May 2014

My Great Grandfather

My great grand father was married in this church in 1885 to Miss Alice Llilee, they 8 children between 1885 and 1903 and one of those children was my grandfather Robert Hall (1888/1954). I think there might be records of them kept in the church. I do ancester research and have found 2 killed in WW1.

Folkestone, St Mary's and St Eanswythe's Church 1892

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Added 21 February 2014

Pool

Remember going to the pool during the summer, and going to the mini zoo that was between the pool and roller skating rink ,and hearing the animals while you changed.

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Added 08 December 2013

The Outdoor Swimming Pool Folkestone

I remember travelling from Dover to Folkestone pool when I was about 7 years old. We thought it was very exciting, and I can remember queuing at the turnstile to get in and where the temperature of the water was chalked on a blackboard outside. We were always intrigued to know how warm the water would be. The year must have been about 1965. I can remember having swimming lessons with someone ...see more