There are the remains of a second large quarry, about 240m square, west of Newington Quarry between the Seabrook valley and the Folkestone Rugby Club pitch. This excavation is notable for an extensive exposure of Folkestone Stone along its western side (TR 175 368, ///reach.handicaps.spelled).
This quarry is not recorded on any of the O.S. maps but an aerial photography sequence, starting in 1940 and accessible via Google Earth mapping, shows its development since 1940. At that time, and in 1960 there was no excavation here although the adjacent Newington quarry is visible. The 1990 image shows excavation under way and enlargement of the adjacent Newington Quarry. This date coincides with the construction of the Channel Tunnel terminal which required a large amount of imported fill. Later images, from 2003, show the quarry in the process of being filled.
A cut face in rock on the west boundary is still visible, although access is restricted. It is most easily, but fleetingly, glimpsed from a westbound train between Folkestone West and Sandling stations. (See Photo 1).
Andrew Coleman
26/09/2024
Geomusings 