Historically, Sandgate was once a little bastion against invasion (Pigots 1840 - Sandgate &c). Today, six gaunt Martello Towers on the heights, a peaceful Castle on the pebble shore, the lure of the French cliffs clear in the evening light, the Channel Tunnel not far off, remind us that those days of strife are over.

On the administrative side, in 1934 Sandgate is merged reluctantly with Folkestone Borough Council, absorbed in Shepway District Council in 1974. Despite modern expansion, Sandgate proudly guards its identity and its sense of history. Through the efforts of The Sandgate Society, two large Conservation Areas (designated 1972) now help to protect a fascinating mix of architectural styles.

Economically, Sandgate has always adapted to changing times and needs. Its rise and progress clearly stem from the late 18th century days of shipbuilding for George 111's Navy. With the Napoleonic menace, the growing presence of the Military at Shorncliffe Camp (est 1794), brings life and trade to the village; lodgings, inns and taverns are in demand. When peace returns, it flowers as a select and serene little watering place long before Folkestone or Hythe. The revival of the Camp in the days of Imperial rule spurs the economy. Then post World War 11, Sandgate develops as the South-east centre of the Antiques Trade.

SANDYGEAT, as first recorded, denotes a gate or cleft in the sandstone hills through which the Enbrook flows to meet the sea. No more than a dot on the landscape Sandgate, strategically, has to be on watch. According to 13th C. Rolls, the Manor of Stowting is duty bound to keep a constable and six men ' to guard the passage of the sea' at Sandgate.

Lympne is a small village lying on top of the cliffs which overlook Hythe and the English Channel.

The entrance to the River Rother emerged to the sea here before Roman times, however it has changed its course twice since then, the first time it emerged at New Romney and now reaches the sea at Rye about 20 miles to the south east.

It dates back to Roman times when Portus Lemanus was built to protect the Roman ships in the harbour below the current village.

They built a castle to protect the old river entrance from raiders from the Scandinavians. The castle now known as Stutfall Castle is lower than the Romans built it, as the cliff has slipped since it was built.

The church was built by the Normans and the tower constructed in the 1100's outside the lychgate is a mounting block used by ladies in large dresses to mount their horses.

Lympne Castle a fortified manor house was built in the 1420's on the spot where the Romans had a lookout tower. The Castle was extensively rebuilt during the early 1900's, and restored to its current condition.

The village was used by smugglers as a lookout and signalling post to warn of Excise men to those at sea.