Folkestone was one of most important seaside resorts of England and for many years the centre of all British commerce with Europe, due to the fact that it had the only port where the train could directly reach the ships. The English high class spent their holidays here, the ocean front is full of big Victorian hotels and parks where tourists enjoyed their free time. Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie spent their summers here and was a place with an excellent vacation reputation in British Society.
During the world wars its reputation was affected and the English high class left the place to people of medium/low class, who could then spend their holidays at a much lower cost. This was a radical change for Folkestone’s former glamour.
When the Eurotunnel was inaugurated in 1994, there was a direct challenge to the ferries and this was a disadvantage for the city. Tourists started travelling by the tunnel affecting the local economy. The terminal was forced to close in 2001 due to the lack of transit. This was the starting point of the crisis in Folkestone, high unemployment, people departing to other places in England.
When you go to Folkestone you find a place of lost remembrances, closed stores, empty bars and deserted streets. Walking by the empty coast you can see France and old people that have chosen this place to retire .
Smog invades Folkestone as a nostalgic mass.
Nourished by remembrances that sometimes seem real, ghosts on every street and corner, ancient worn out hotels without makeup and memories of the people that still live in Folkestone.