A forgotten piece of history has resurfaced in Folkestone – quite literally. A toilet block, revealed by a landslip in 2024, is now at the center of a passionate debate, proposed for a unique and poignant transformation into a World War One memorial.
The idea originated with local resident Bob Mouland, who envisions the restored Victorian structure as a tribute to the countless soldiers who marched along the Road of Remembrance on their way to the battlefields of Europe. He believes the building, though unassuming, stood witness to their passage.
Support for the project has grown, gaining backing from both Kent County Council and the Folkestone Town Council, alongside many local residents eager to honor the past. The proposal includes a flagpole, intended to stand as a visible symbol of remembrance.
However, not everyone is convinced. The New Folkestone Society has voiced strong opposition, arguing the site lacks a direct, demonstrable link to the First World War. They question whether soldiers would have broken formation to use the facilities, citing the military command of “step short” for navigating slopes.
The society further points to the existing memorials in the area – the Blunderstone Memorial and the Step Short arch – as sufficient tributes. They express concern that converting a former latrine into a memorial feels incongruous and potentially detrimental to the surrounding historic landscape.
Mouland counters that definitive proof of soldiers using the facility is impossible to obtain, but equally, there’s no evidence to disprove it. He emphasizes the sheer number of troops who passed by – tens of thousands – and the fact that the building existed during their march.
He argues a crucial point: currently, there is no dedicated memorial specifically acknowledging the soldiers who traversed that particular stretch of road, from the hilltop to the port. This memorial would fill that void, offering a tangible connection to their journey.
Councilor Mary Lawes champions the proposal as a “wonderful and heartfelt” initiative, praising Mouland’s dedication to preserving overlooked historical features. She acknowledges the differing opinions but stresses the memorial’s potential to serve as a tribute “in spirit and purpose.”
The debate highlights a fundamental question: what constitutes a meaningful memorial? Is a direct, documented connection essential, or can a site’s presence and symbolic resonance be enough to evoke remembrance and honor those who served? A decision from the planning authorities is anticipated within the next month.
Inside the disused building, time has left its mark, but the potential for transformation remains. The weathered brick and simple structure hold a silent story, waiting to be retold as a tribute to a generation’s sacrifice.
