Seaside holidays 3: urban development

This is at the edge of Folkestone in Victorian times. What is happening?

This painting captures a moment in the growth of Victorian Folkestone, around 1845.

Farmland on the edge of the town has been bought by developers and building work is well underway.

Construction of a large property on the right is nearly finished. Can you spot the scaffolding?

Soon the open fields, animals and windmill will disappear as other houses and streets will follow. Folkestone expanded very quickly to meet the needs of tourists and wealthy people who wanted to live here.

The painting is has the rather long title of: ‘Folkestone 1845, shewing the relative positions of the present West Terrace, Sandgate Road, Bouverie Square, Mill Field &c.' It was painted by R J Lonsdale.

Why do you think R J Lonsdale painted this picture?

Here is a sketch of this painting, which highlights the streets and buildings that occupy the site today.

Can you see where Barclays Bank and the Bus Station are today?

What has happened to the town since this painting was created?

Look at a modern map of Folkestone. Can you find the same area?

Here is a photo from the same viewpoint today.

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