Folkestone in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The British Lion
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 3, 2026
1. The British Lion Marker
Inscription.
The British Lion has a sign declaring 'Ale House since 1460'. The origin of this is uncertain as no old deeds have been found for this house. An inspection carried out by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, in the mid-nineties concluded that the building was erected not later than 1500; this fits well with c.1460. Alehouses by the names of the Priory Arms and The Angel (1605) are known to have existed in the town and given the proximity of the British Lion to the Priory these are possibly earlier names for this house. In 1855 Charles Dickens took up residence at No 3 Albion Villas nearby and is said to have frequented the British Lion. Today a small room inside is named 'The Dickens Room'. Furthermore, in 1995, local historian Eamonn Rooney discovered a large portion of a wall of the late medieval priory which now forms part of the fabric of the present building.
The British Lion has a sign declaring 'Ale House since 1460'. The origin of this is uncertain as no old deeds have been found for this house. An inspection carried out by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, in the mid-nineties concluded that the building was erected not later than 1500; this fits well with c.1460. Alehouses by the names of the Priory Arms and The Angel (1605) are known to have existed in the town and given the proximity of the British Lion to the Priory these are possibly earlier names for this house. In 1855 Charles Dickens took up residence at No 3 Albion Villas nearby and is said to have frequented the British Lion. Today a small room inside is named 'The Dickens Room'. Furthermore, in 1995, local historian Eamonn Rooney discovered a large portion of a wall of the late medieval priory which now forms part of the fabric of the present building.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1460.
Location. 51° 4.745′ N, 1° 10.963′ E. Marker is in Folkestone, England, in Kent. It is on The Bayle, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 The Bayle, Folkestone, England CT20 1SQ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Battle of Britain Memorial (approx. 2.7
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
