Folkestone is a coastal resort town in the Shepway district of Kent, England. Boat services connect the town to Boulogne in France and since 1994 the nearby Channel Tunnel has provided links to Continental Europe.

History

Folkestone was once a "limb" of the Cinque Port of Dover, until in 1629 the local inhabitants obtained a licence to build a port.

At the end of the 18th century the city became prosperous because of an increase in the fishing and shipping industries and in the middle of the 19th century Folkestone was one of the chief resorts of southern England. It was seriously damaged by bombs in both World Wars.

After the world wars, Folkestone fell into a decline. The ferry trade largely moved to Dover and as foreign package holidays became more popular, the town found it harder to attract tourists.

Folkestone today

External link: http://www.thisisfolkestone.co.uk/