The Switchback and Edwardian Folkestone circa 1904

Some footage from the British national archives showing Folkestone in Kent (UK) back in the early 1900s. This for me is particularly interesting as my great great-grandfather Thomas Sinclair (born in 1854) operated the Switchback railway that can be seen in the footage. The switchback was as early form of rollercoaster and was frequented by Queen Victoria on her annual holiday to Folkestone.

[@PositivelyAndy]

I am amazed that POV footage of that coaster actually exists!

[@BILLYnKAREN]

Absolutely fantastic. Thanks for posting, what a great record of life over 100 years ago. The switchback is especially interesting. Really enjoyed watching this, and will again.

[@alanduncan7817]

Brilliant piece of Folkestone history. Loved the POV Switchback clips - and they didn't use GoPro's then!

[@creamofcards]

I've got an old postcard of the switchback railway

[@davec5090]

Wow! This is so cool to see a POV of a model that began the craze of roller coasters.

[@overseer2008]

Glad you like it. If you look closely you will see that it is powered completely by gravity rather like a toboggan run.

[@mattglumactheautisticgolfe1608]

Is there any evidence that the queen rode this? Because I was told that there's no evidence of her riding it let alone spending her holiday in Folkestone.

[@overseer2008]

@@mattglumactheautisticgolfe1608 Hi Matt, I have a news paper artical somewhere confirming her visit, she presented my great great-grandfather with a small gift to commerorate her attendance, I shall see if I can dig it out. I believe she used to stay in the Grand at Folkestone, but I also see you are having this conversation on the Folkestone facebook page, so would be interested if you find out more information too. There was also a rumour that she had a postbox installed nearby the Metropole so she could send her postcards.