The Iron Age section excavated on East Cliff in 2025 Photo: Ray Duff
Words and Photos: Ray Duff – Folkestone’s rugged East Cliff is about to become the star of the show! The long-running excavations that have captivated locals for years are heading to BBC Two, as the site takes centre stage in the brand-new series of Digging for Britain.
Mark Your Calendars
Series 13 kicks off on January 7th at 9:00 PM, but local history buffs will want to pay extra attention to Episode 2 on January 14th.
The episode follows the Digging for Britain crew as they joined the trenches in July 2025. Viewers will get a front-row seat as the Canterbury Archaeology Trust, alongside a passionate army of local volunteers and international students, unearths the secrets of a massive Iron Age settlement.
A few of the finds from 2025 Photo: Ray Duff
Why Folkestone is Making Waves
While the site’s Roman Villa was first stumbled upon back in 1924, recent digs have revealed something even more spectacular: a sprawling, bustling Iron Age port that predates the Romans by centuries.
This isn’t just a local curiosity; it’s a site of international importance. Here’s what makes it so special:
- A UK First: Excavators discovered a quernstone (corn-grinding) production site situated right next to its original stone quarry—the first of its kind ever found in the UK.
- Global Trade Hub: Finds of exotic pottery and flint suggest that thousands of years ago, Folkestone was a thriving gateway for trade across the Channel.
- A “Lost” World: Experts believe the settlement was once vast, extending into modern-day gardens and even half a mile out to sea onto land that has long since vanished into the waves.
“The energy on site was electric. From local schoolchildren to students flying in from the USA, everyone was fascinated by the sheer scale of the history beneath our feet.”
The Dig Continues
The East Cliff project is a true community effort, powered by the Folkestone Research & Archaeology Group, Dover Archaeology Group, and students from the University of Kent.
And the story is far from over! While we wait to see the discoveries revealed on TV, plans are already in motion for the next chapter. A new excavation is tentatively scheduled for July 2026, promising even more clues about the Roman or Iron Age periods.
Don’t miss Folkestone’s moment in the spotlight: Tune in to BBC Two on January 14th!
More Information: BBC Digging for Britain: Series 13 (six episodes)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014hl0d
Starts Weds 07 January BBC 2 -9 pm, with Folkestone showing on during the second episode on Weds 14 January. Will also be available on the DfG website and iplayer after screening.
East Wear Bay project website:- https://www.eastwearbay.org/
Canterbury Archaeology Trust: – https://www.canterburytrust.co.uk/
Folkestone Research and Archaeology group:
https://www.facebook.com/FolkestoneResearchAndArchaeologyGroup/?locale=en_GB