A photographic record – November 2020 These photographs, taken by Betty Black in November 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, provide a snapshot of the shops and businesses in Hythe at that time. The collection covers Hythe High Street and the smaller adjoining streets and roads where shops can also be found. To make it easier to follow, the High Street is divided into sections, starting with the north side, followed by the south side, working from east to west. Shops and busi

Discover the incredible people of Hythe! From famous authors, actors, and historical heroes to the everyday residents who built our community, explore the fascinating local stories that shaped our town's heritage. James C. Williams- Architect Explore the mid-century modernist designs by architect James C. Williams and the Charlier family building business. Discover his Pevsner-listed work in Hythe—including, Sene Park, and the development built on the site of the demolished m

This project explores the history of the buildings, streets, and places that have shaped the town of Hythe, Kent. It looks beyond what stands today to uncover what once occupied each site, how the land and buildings have changed, and the stories behind the names and locations familiar to us today. Each entry traces the history of a particular building, street, or site through different periods, recording the people, businesses, events, and activities connected with each locat

Introduction The bridges and crossings of Hythe, Kent have a long history, including those that existed before the construction of the Royal Military Canal in 1804. This guide explores their history and the changes the canal brought. The content is divided into two sections: bridges that existed before the canal's construction (pre-1804) and those built after 1804 through to the present day. Below, you will first see an overview of the bridges with images. Click on the image

Discover how to research the history of your house and uncover the stories behind the places we live. This guide provides useful documents and examples to help explore your property's past using historical records, maps, photographs, and other sources. The resources include guidance on accessing local history records and examples of house history research shared by members, helping to preserve the stories of properties, their occupants, and their connections to Hythe’s herit

Ordnance Arms Ordnance Arms click on image for information The Star Inn The Old Portland Arms Click on the image for information Carpenters Arms 1949 Nelson Head The Providence Beer House Sportsman Dukes Head Cinque Ports Arms Cinque Ports Arms now Robson & Co.. The Gate Inn Rose & Crown Brewery Building (Prince of Prussia)

These oral and personal histories record the memories of people who lived in Hythe, Kent, through a combination of detailed write-ups and audio recordings. Discover childhood memories, wartime Hythe, local shops, pubs, cinemas, and the town's changing community. Hear the memories of prominent residents, including a son reflecting on his father, the photographer Jack Adams; former St Leonard's choir master Berkeley Hill; Son Griggs from the local fishing family; and Flora Laun

We have an archive with a large collection of documents and photographs in the process of being categorised. Some of these are now available for inspection or borrowing. A list of what we have can be viewed in PDF format by selecting any of the links below:

Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate Tramway In 1870, when the Tramways act was passed, towns throughout Britain began to provide a tram service for public transport. At first these were horse drawn trams running on rails, sunk flush to the road surface. The metal wheels on metal rails caused less friction than tyres, which meant that a horse drawn tram, could carry a greater number of passengers than a conventional horse drawn bus. In later years, trams were electrified and continue

Discover the fascinating history of St Leonard’s Church in Hythe, Kent, including its architecture, monuments, inscriptions, graffiti diagrams and their meanings, Lionel Lukin’s life and pioneering lifeboat design, the historic font, the Robert Aubrey Hildyard window, and the church grounds. Learn about the St Leonard’s Garden Group and the dedicated volunteers who care for the church grounds every week. Download the document to read an extract from a book by Mike Umbers - 'A

Introduction: Hythe's mayors and bailiffs have played an important part in the history of the town. This page provides historical information about the Bailiffs of Hythe from 1331 and the Mayors from 1575 to the present day. Why Hythe had Bailiffs and Jurats The document below contains a comprehensive listing of Mayors & Bailiffs from the 14th Century to today. The grid below shows all available photographs of past mayors. Hover the cursor over an image to reveal the name and

Uncover the secrets hidden beneath the streets of Hythe and Folkestone. View detailed find maps and excavation reports revealing a medieval forge and a Roman villa. Canon Newman Hall Dig - East Cliff Folkestone Centuries Iron Age and Medieval Site Interactive Finds & Discoveries map Probably like most members of the Hythe community, we all see things while wandering around, that make us think 'what is that and where does it fit into Hythe’s history', as well as sometimes find