FOLKSTONE & HYTHE DISTRICT
Religious Buildings & Areas
Some ghost members are said to be haunting the halls of ancient religious buildings and graveyards with their stories to tell, whether it is residual energy or Spirit.
Here is what has been found so far in the Folkstone & Hythe District...
Trespassing remains to be considered for those seeking to visit a cemetery at night.
Private graveyards​ are off-limits unless you have the owners' permission. However, even cemeteries that are open to the public have guidelines that visitors ought to follow.​
From listing their visiting hours online and in their offices to physically closing their gates, most cemeteries make it clear when visitors are welcome and when they aren't. In other words, it should be easy to tell when you're trespassing, even on so-called "public" burial sites. (And, it bears mentioning, if you find yourself hopping a fence or wondering whether what you're doing counts as trespassing, there's a good chance it does.) Either contact the cemetery's owner or caretaker to discuss visiting at night.
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If you find any missing information, hear of any reports of Paranormal Activity, have a story to share about any of the listed places that aren't reported here, or know of any that are not mentioned, please get in touch. Thank you.
ST MARY AND ST EANSWYTHE PARISH CHURCH
PRIORY GARDENS FOLKESTONE
Princess Eanswythe, a prominent figure in early English history, was born around 630 AD to Eadbald of Kent, the Saxon King who reigned from 616 AD until he died in 640 AD. With her father's unwavering support, she established the Benedictine Folkestone Priory, the first nunnery in England, laying the foundations for a significant spiritual legacy.
This venerable site, which has served as a centre of worship and devotion since approximately 650 AD, gained particular renown during the reign of Eanswythe's brother, King Earconberht. During this time, a ministry was instituted in her honour at the priory, believed to be the first religious establishment in England led by an abbess. This pivotal moment marked a transformative development in the role of women within the burgeoning framework of early Christianity.
Archaeological discoveries suggest that the remains uncovered within the church belong to a young woman, estimated to be between the ages of 17 and 21. These remains are widely thought to be those of Eanswythe herself, adding a deeply personal dimension to her already compelling story. Her relics soon became a focal point for pilgrimage, drawing numerous visitors seeking a profound spiritual connection. In 1138, these sacred relics were enshrined within the chancel of the current church, the fourth structure to rise on this hallowed ground, which reflects centuries of architectural evolution and unwavering religious devotion.
The priory associated with this church was established in the 11th century and thrived as a centre of monastic life until its suppression by King Henry VIII in 1534. This dissolution ushered in an era of significant neglect and decline, leaving the church and its surrounding grounds in disrepair—a stark contrast to the flourishing community once safeguarded by the monastic order.
In an inspiring turn of events, Canon Matthew Woodward, who served as vicar from 1851 to 1898, embarked on an ambitious renovation project that breathed new life into the church. His dedication transformed it into the splendid architectural marvel we admire today. It features exquisite stained glass windows that catch the light in a kaleidoscope of colours, vibrant internal murals narrating its rich history, and intricate mosaics embellishing its aesthetic beauty and historical significance.
**HAUNTINGS**
In "Ghosts of Shepway," author Paul Harris recounts a captivating encounter shared by a local historian, who vividly described witnessing a shadowy figure gliding silently through the churchyard. This enigmatic presence appeared momentarily, only to vanish without a trace, igniting speculation that it could be one of the spectral monks rumoured to haunt the surrounding Bayle area. The rich tapestry of stories surrounding this historical site invites deeper exploration, including chilling tales found in the chapters titled "Outside Haunting" and "Haunted Hostelries," which delve into the spectral lore of the region, inviting both intrigue and reverence for the past.