The origin of the name “Folkestone” has invited much discussion over the years, and there is a suggestion that it comes from Folca’s stone, a rock marking the meeting place of local people, although who Folca was and where his stone was remain mysteries. Even the spelling of the name was not resolved until a 19th century lord of the manor insisted on “Folkestone” being spelt as it is now.
Modern Folkestone is a product of the Victorian age. The Town covers some 3525 acres and now has a growing population of around 43,000. The coming of the railway in 1843, the development of the harbour and the Earl of Radnor’s decision to create a superior resort in the middle years of that century were the factors that made the town of today, with fine buildings, attractive parks and gardens and a seafront varied in character. Modern industrial and commercial developments have broadened its economic base and the town now has within its bounds the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, a main rail/road link to the continent. The town has been further enhanced with the building of Bouverie Place Shopping Centre and the stop at Folkestone for the high-speed rail link, which means a journey to London of just 57 minutes.