Since the year 2000, Shorncliffe and Risborough Barracks in Folkestone have been the permanent home of the second battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Folkestone, Cheriton and Sandgate are the home of the Gurkhas, not just the current serving battalion, but also to ex-Gurkhas who have settled here since they retired. We are delighted that so many Gurkhas have called Folkestone their home. We are proud of the contribution of the Gurkhas to this area, and proud of the good relations between the ex-Gurkhas and their families and the wider community locally.

Despite being one of the most renowned and respected parts of the British Army, there was no permanent memorial in Folkestone – and very few in the country – marking their contribution to the UK and the distinguished service to Britain dating back over 200 years. Over 46,000 Gurkhas have died in service of the Country, and 13 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to Gurkhas in the British Army.

On 4th October 2015, that changed. After 6 years of fundraising by the Folkestone Gurkha Memorial Fund, and thousands of generous donations from Folkestone, across the UK and even further afield, the Folkestone Gurkha Memorial was unveiled in the Garden of Remembrance in Sandgate Road, Folkestone. The memorial is in the form of a contemporary Gurkha soldier on a granite plinth.

The Folkestone Gurkha Memorial Fund will continue to run remembrance services to acknowledge their role, to provide support for the Gurkha community in Folkestone & East Kent and to fund development and humanitarian work in Nepal in recognition of our gratitude for their contribution to the UK.

Thank you for your support.