On its way from London to the port of Dover, the South Eastern Railway reached the village of Folkestone in June 1843. It has always been the intention to operate cross-Channel steamer services from Dover but instead of an expected welcome, negotiations with the Harbour Commissioners proved extremely difficult.

By good fortune, the silted, derelict and bankrupt fishing harbour of Folkestone was then for sale and, sensing an opportunity to be completely independent it was purchased by the railway.

This title tells the story of Folkestone Harbour and the steamer services which operated.

John Hendy has written several titles focusing on shipping on the south coast.