In 1541 King Henry was due to engage in a war against France. Plans were put in place to use Folkestone as a port to transfer troops and supplies over to France. Ultimately the plans were scrapped and used the Dover port instead.   

Fast forward to 1804. The Earl of Radnor had petitioned Parliament for the construction of a stone harbour in Folkestone. This was accepted in 1807 to build a pier and harbour. Completed in 1810 exploding Folkestone's trade industry. In 1849 the harbour was used by up to 49,000 passengers which was being served by the Folkestone Harbour Railway Station.

During World War I, Folkestone's Harbour became one of the biggest embarkation points for British troops that were heading to France and the Western Front. Over 10 million military mailbags were handled as well as 120,000 war refugees.