Churchyard Cross
Folkestone is gearing up to celebrate its rich civic heritage this month with the annual Town Sunday Service, scheduled to take place at the Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe on Sunday 28 June at 10:30 am.
The event marks a tradition stretching back over seven centuries to 1313, when Folkestone residents were summoned by the blast of a horn to gather at the Churchyard Cross to elect their Town Mayor. While the Reformation and the passing centuries eventually reduced the original cross to just its plinth and steps, the historic election custom stubbornly endured. The current cross was erected on that exact ancient site in 1897 by Canon Matthew Woodward, a project that sparked considerable controversy at the time.
Although modern Town Mayors are now elected in the comfort of the Town Hall, the town’s deep-rooted history is still passionately kept alive. Before the church service begins, the Town Mayor is officially named from the steps of the Churchyard Cross, where prayers are said for the chosen councillor.
The Town Mayor, Councillor Jackie Meade, will attend the prestigious service alongside Folkestone’s town councillors and various civic dignitaries. Organisers are aiming to make the occasion a vibrant, fully representative celebration of Folkestone’s diverse community life, and they have extended a warm invitation to all townspeople, local clubs, societies, and organisations to attend and represent the town.