A forgotten piece of history has resurfaced in Folkestone, quite literally. A toilet block, buried for decades, was revealed by a landslip in 2024, sparking a surprising and poignant proposal: to transform it into a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who marched to war.
The structure stands on the Road of Remembrance, a route once trod by countless troops heading towards the battlefields of Europe during the First World War. Local history enthusiast Bob Mouland champions the idea, believing the building deserves recognition as a silent witness to their passage.
Mouland acknowledges he can’t definitively prove soldiers used the facilities, but argues that disproving it is equally impossible. He points to the lack of any existing memorial along the entire stretch of the Road of Remembrance, highlighting a need to honor those who passed this way.
Not everyone agrees. The New Folkestone Society has voiced concerns, questioning the connection between the toilets and the military. They argue the soldiers’ disciplined “short step” formation would have prevented any deviation to use the facilities.
The Society acknowledges the building’s historical value and supports its renovation, but deems linking it directly to WWI as “excessive, frivolous and incongruous.” They point to existing, dedicated memorials in the area, like the Blunderstone Memorial and the Step Short arch.
Despite the debate, Councillor Mary Lawes firmly supports the proposal, praising Mouland’s dedication to preserving overlooked historical features. She describes it as a “wonderful and heartfelt” initiative, recognizing his commitment to local heritage.
The building itself closed in the 1940s and remained hidden until the recent landslip. Now, the debate centers on whether this unassuming structure can become a powerful symbol of remembrance, a tangible link to the soldiers who once marched towards an uncertain future.
A decision regarding the memorial is anticipated within the next month, leaving the fate of this unusual tribute hanging in the balance. The proposal has ignited a conversation about memory, history, and the unexpected places where stories can be found.
Even now, knitted poppies adorn the railings along the Road of Remembrance, a testament to the enduring respect for those who journeyed through Folkestone on their way to war. The question remains: will the rediscovered toilet block join them as a lasting tribute?
