The coastal plain where the North Downs meet the Strait of Dover has been of strategic importance since ancient times.

[1] The British government purchased a large piece of land at Shorncliffe in 1794 and fortified it in preparation for the expected French invasion.

A Royal Commission was set up in 1859 during another invasion panic, which led to the construction of the Palmerston Forts and Shorncliffe Army Camp.

[2] The parish and urban district were abolished on 1 April 1934 under a County Review Order, and divided between Folkestone and Hythe.

The Seabrook Stream flows through the west of the district, cutting a scenic valley between Dibgate Camp and St Martin's Plain.

As of 2011[update] the Royal Gurkha Rifles occupy Shorncliffe Camp so Nepali people make up a large part of the population.

The Folkestone & Hythe Operatic & Dramatic Society bought the garrison church in 2001 and converted it into the Tower Theatre.

Stagecoach in East Kent operates local bus services to Canterbury every hour or to the town centre of Folkestone up to every 8 minutes.

A farmer's widow, Mrs Thompson, died in 1887 leaving a plot of land on the High Street and a bequest of £10,000 for the construction of a church.

The three active churches are served by Revd Hilary Jones, who lives in St Martin's Rectory, Horn Street.