Folkestone in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Basement, 8 The Old High Street

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 3, 2026

1. Basement, 8 The Old High Street Marker

Inscription. In 1878, Mr George Mence Smith opened the Folkestone branch of his London business, dealing in oils and colour (paint), and as a grocer. In 1909 a plumber was working in the basement, and accidentally set one of the vats of oil alight. The whole building burnt to the ground, with rivers of flaming oil streaming down the High Street. Mence Smith was forced to rebuild on the same site, resulting in the building that stands here today. For many years it was the home of Strange Cargo Arts Company, and in the early days of the Creative Quarter regeneration, the independent Quarter magazine was printed in the basement with volunteer help.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 51° 4.819′ N, 1° 10.961′ E. Marker is in Folkestone, England, in Kent. It is on The Old High Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 The Old High Street, Folkestone, England CT20 1RL, 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 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Bayle Pond (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Eanswythe, The Nunnery, and the Bayle Pond (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Dixwell (about 90 meters away); The British Lion

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(about 150 meters away); The Priory (about 150 meters away); The Town Cross (about 180 meters away); Battle of Britain Memorial (approx. 2.6 kilometers away); Lord Dowding (approx. 2.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Folkestone.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 3, 2026

2. Basement, 8 The Old High Street Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.