Triumph and Tragedy – Stories from Folkestone Old Cemetery, A Talk
Pioneering Ladies, Folkestone’s answer to ‘Flashman’, an Explorer, a Town Catastrophe, a Reformed Smuggler and a Shipwrecked Lady…
The people that came to stay at Cheriton Road come from far and wide and from all walks of life. But let’s start at the beginning where all the good story’s start. Cheriton Road did not start to come to life until the beginning of 1855, Her Majesty’s Inspector R.D. Grainger Esq. came to Folkestone and suggested that a new cemetery be sited east, north-east or north of the town. In December of 1856 the new burial board instructed the churchwardens that no more burials should take place within the grounds of the town’s churches after the 1st September 1857. With this the scene was set for the new (now old) to become not just a place containing people, but also stories, some of which are explored with this talk by members of the Friends of Old Folkestone Cemetery.
About The Friends of Old Folkestone Cemetery
The idea for the ‘Friends’ group originated with Jan Holben, Richard Grundy (Jan’s partner), Peter Anderson (Historian) and Giles Barnard (District Council Community Safety Officer). Noticing how badly some of the graves had been neglected when visiting the old Folkestone cemetery for a Remembrance Ceremony Jan (as Chairman of the District Council at that time), Richard, Peter and Giles discussed what could be done to save this lovely place which tells a unique story of Folkestone – and the idea of ‘Friends of old Folkestone cemetery’ grew from this discussion.
The Friends were formally constituted in July 2016 and since that time have helped to care for the Cemetery and promote its heritage. For more details and how to get involved with their regular Saturday morning working parties CLICK HERE.
Booking
The talk is £5.00 per person, as with all our talks, they tend to fill up quickly. For further details CLICK HERE to go to our contact form, call 01303 257946 and select option 0 (office hours only) or call into Folkestone Museum & Town Hall to buy your ticket and reserve a seat. If you are a subscriber to the Museum e-newsletter don’t forget to quote the discount code at the till!
Refreshments will be available after the talk, donations appreciated
