Recently, I visited the Folkestone Museum which is a small, local museum located in the heart of Folkestone (which you probably guessed by its name). Some of you may know about Folkestone, and some of you may not have heard of it at all (especially if you’re not from the UK). It is a small coastal town in Kent, which has its modern origin in the fishing industry. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich history of the town, from its origins as a Roman settlement to its role in World War II and beyond. One of the standout features of the Folkestone Museum is its collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s history. Visitors can expect to see everything from ancient Roman coins and pottery to World War II memorabilia, as well as displays highlighting the town’s artistic and cultural heritage. There is also a section dedicated to local industries, including fishing and shipping.
The museum’s layout is well-organised, with clear signage and helpful staff on hand to answer any questions. It is also accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, with lifts and ramps throughout the building. While the Folkestone Museum may not be as large or well-known as some of the more prominent museums in the UK, it offers a unique and engaging look into the history and culture of the town. It is always great to see the smaller museums packing a punch that rivals that of the major museums.
My favourite part of the museum was the palaeontological and natural history displays (there is probably no surprise there). Due to the geology of Folkestone (and the surrounding areas), they are perfect for finding fossils from the Late Cretaceous, approximately 100 million years ago. Fossilised ammonites, bivalves and sea urchins are common but fish and marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs, can also be found. The display (photographed above) did a good job of presenting these local fossil finds. Kent is also one of the best place in the world to find neolithic stone tools, and Roman artefacts, with many on display within the museum. In the museum gift shop, I was sure to pick up a copy of Fossils of Folkestone, Kent by Philip Hadland, with the intention of coming back in the future to try to find some fossils of my own!
Finally, the thing that caught my eye was the ease of access to the small number of natural history specimens on display. Things were not overcrowded, and there was clear signage – just as there had been throughout the rest of the museum. This display was also interactive as the drawers below could be pulled out, to reveal even more specimens – at the perfect height for younger children to get engaged. It is amazing what specimens had been collected in and around the Folkestone area, as well as those that had come from further afield. I wonder how much is hidden in the vaults behind the scenes which is not on display?
Overall, I was impressed by the Folkestone Museum, and if you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out. If you do, please let me know which bit was your favourite!
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