Make History, Save History, help us retell Shorncliffe's significant history from one of the original Garrison Buildings before its too late
Our team are passionate about telling the story of Shorncliffe which can truly say is the birthplace of the modern British Army under Sir John Moore (1761-1809).
His Earth Redoubt lies almost forgotten in woodland at Shorncliffe, as do other important heritage assets made even more special as we retell the story of so many who played such an important role in the defence of our country across 200 years of its history.
77 acres of Shorncliffe Garrison is being redeveloped to create 1200 new homes with just 5 original buildings being saved for re-use.
Now its your turn to help save one of those in which we will create the Shorncliffe Heritage and Education Centre.
The Sir John Moore Library is the most appropriate building with its unique stained glass windows telling the story of the regiments. It was originally constructed thanks to subscriptions and donations, now we need your support to bring it back into the use it was intended for; Education.
The Trust will bring together collections locally and from around the world, sharing stories of the men and women who served here; it will provide a place for research and a valuable community space for the town it has served.
This is what you would be saving:
Fundraising and support would enable purchase of the Grade II, Sir John Moore Library and his Statue which building and grounds would become the Shorncliffe Heritage and Education Centre. Its restoration would be a partnership between public and private sector and assist skills training students learning traditional building methods whilst working alongside a main contractor.
Upon Opening: Such a centre would lead to an ongoing list of projects, bringing generations together and introducing the past to the present.
Our plans comprise educational and community engagement projects, oral history studies and capturing memories of those who served here and the social history around it including memories from Sir John Moore School. Its history and connections are sufficiently rich to engage with many individuals from its past
Shorncliffe truly connects to hundreds of thousands of people around the world and has done so for many centuries. The bond is particularly strong with Canada where 60,000 troops were stationed here during WW1 and where Canada Day has been marked by local schoolchildren for 100 years to honour the 309 Canadians who never made it home.
Now the last stable block connected to WW1 is about to be demolished unless common sense prevails. Help save this piece of history so future generations can learn about the sacrifice of what we have come to know a Shorncliffe's War Horses. Shorncliffe, home to the Canadian Army School of Veterinary, whose skills and endeavours saved 80% of the animals they cared for.
Join our many supporters who include:
Sir Peter Jackson; Sir Ranulph Fiennes; Sir Michael Morpurgo; Sir Robert & Lady Georgina Craufurd; Damian Collins, MP; Col Bob Stewart, DSO MP; Author: Bernard Cornwell; Historians including Gareth Glover and Charles Esdaile. Griff Rhys Jones, President, Victorian Society and Actor; Commander Iain Keirsley, Royal Navy, Equerry to TRH, Prince of Wales & the Duchess of Cornwall; Folkestone Town Team; Folkestone Coastal Community Team; Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
If you or your past generations have links with Shorncliffe then we welcome your support and your stories. Please help make history and save history
Visit: www.shorncliffe-trust.org.uk
This project successfully funded on 13th March 2022