The Folkestone Research & Archaeology Group (FRAG) was founded in 2012. Since then, our members have been actively involved in archaeological projects around Folkestone and beyond – from initial assessment through the digging, finds washing, marking and analysis processes of finds.
We meet at Folkestone Museum once a month on a Wednesday evening.
FRAG’s next meeting is on the 18th of June 2025 at 7:30PM.
On 1st August 2010, the archaeological part of the ‘A Town Unearthed Project’ started. We all got stuck in straight away, from painting huts, erecting fences, digging test trenches and finally getting to the villa dig itself. Some people who joined in had experience of archaeological digs. A bunch of us arrived there expecting to be handed a fine paintbrush to meticulously clear the mummified bodies! Too much exposure to 19th century Egyptian photographs, I think…
During the 138 days digging in 2011, lunch time chats turned to a new idea. We knew that there were history societies and groups in the local area, but no specific archaeological ones. We realised that past digs in the area were done by people from afar, not the locals, until the A Town Unearthed project. Over the months of excavations, discovery, and learning, the idea of an archaeological group for Folkestone and its surrounds gained momentum.
Not only are FRAG interested in finding out the past, but we are also passionate about educating people about the amazing, and ancient, heritage of the Folkestone area. We also occasionally organise visits to local heritage attractions.
If you are interested in joining the group – either as an active member, or just for the purposes of keeping up to date with our endeavours or open days, then please contact us.
Email FRAG’s secretary at sec.folkarch@gmail.com
