Wampach hotel, Folkestone, circa 1898.

Above photo shows the Wampach family hotel 1900.

Wampach Hotel 1890 shown on the left of the picture.

Above shows the brass nameplate of the Wampach Hotel, kindly sent by Ross W Sargent

Above shows the menu as of 1968,

Below a leaflet and the history of; kindly sent by Ross W Sargent.

ADVERTISING LEAFLET FOR THE HOTEL CONTINENTAL WAMPACH, FOLKESTONE

A typical bedroom

The restaurant

The Toby Jug cocktail bar

HOTEL CONTINENTAL WAMPACH - CASTLE HILL AVENUE - FOLKESTONE

TELEPHONE 51241



SITUATED IN Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone's most famous thoroughfare, the Hotel is an outstanding and imposing building. From the Manager down, the staff exist only to make your stay happy and comfortable. Ideally sited, the Hotel is a few minutes from the main shopping centre, cinemas, theatres, Central Station and the glorious Leas for which Folkestone is renowned. Famous for over half a century, the Continental Wampach will appeal to those of discerning taste, although all charges are well within the scope of those of moderate incomes.

The restaurant, seating 120 persons, is cheerfully appointed. We are proud of our cuisine and here you will find good food in variety, tastefully cooked by English chefs and served in a helpful and friendly manner.

Our wine cellars are well stocked and the prices reasonable.

You will appreciate the comfortable lounges where you can relax for that after-luncheon nap or a quiet game of cards, in an atmosphere where quiet and restfulness prevails.

All rooms have modern furniture, fitted washbasins and telephone. Most rooms have electric fires and radios, and all the public rooms and corridors are centrally heated.

You will like the restful atmosphere of the Toby Jug - a modern cocktail lounge.

"We will make you really welcome at the Wampach."

The ballroom

DANCING: The Venetian Ballroom is one of the outstanding features of the Hotel. Here you can dance your cares away to the music of our resident Orchestra. Here too, in the winter months are held most of the important banquets of the town.

A conference room

CONFERENCES: The Hotel is an ideal Conference Headquarters, and can provide all facilities for any type of conference, convention or meeting.

SPORTS: Hard and Grass Tennis Courts adjoin the Hotel, Golf, Fishing, Flying, Riding, Bowls, indoor and outdoor - Indeed, every form of sport is well catered for here in Folkestone.

FRANCE: Day trips (non passport) are organised by the Hotel.

Resident Director: HARRY SARGENT, F.H.C.I.

Telephone: Folkestone 51241

Member of The International Hotel Association, Automobile Club - De Espana, Deutscher Touring Club, Allgemeiner Deutscher Auto Club, Touring Club Italiano, Nederlands Touring en Auto Club. A.A. R.A.C.

THE HISTORY OF THE WAMPACH HOTEL, FOLKESTONE

Compiled by J. M. Paine & K. S. Paine

For the

FOLKESTONE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

MR CHARLES CONSTANT WAMPACH came to England in 1875. He originated in Diekirch, Luxemburg, and his fiancée, Julie, came from Westphalia. They married in 1879.

Mr Wampach was naturalised in 1892. He served as a chef in several Hotels in Folkestone, including six years at the "Leas Hotel."

In March 1885 he leased a lodging house at 66 Cheriton Road for twelve months before taking a lease on number 33 Castle Hill Avenue. He named it The Pension Wampach, and a short time later added number 35.

THE LEAS HOTEL NOW LEASIDE COURT.

IN CLIFTON GARDENS.

WHERE CHARLES WAMPACH DID SIX YEARS TRAINING.

In 1896 advertisements in local papers proclaimed:

THE WAMPACH FAMILY HOTEL

Electric light throughout

Bathrooms on all upper floors

and

Sanitation which has been carefully looked into

Wampach Hotels Limited was formed in 1900, and took leases on numbers 37 and 39 by 1909.

NUMBER 66 CHERITON ROAD, THE FIRST LODGING HOUSE LEASED BY MR. WAMPACH IN MARCH 1885.

AN EARLY PHOTOGRAPH OF THE WAMPACH FAMILY HOTEL

GARDENS AT THE REAR

THE WAMPACH FROM THE GARDENS

The Hotel was commandeered by the Army from 1914 to 1918, re-opening as The Excelsior in 1920.

Mr and Mrs Wampach suffered considerable bother with 'Spy Mania' during the first World War, even though their youngest son, Cyril Constant Julian, was killed in battle in Mesopotania in 1918. His tombstone, marked with the insignia of The Royal Artillery, is in Newington churchyard. In spite of the problems however, Charles Wampach represented the West Ward on the Council from 1902-1918.

An extract from:- Views and Reviews, Folkestone c1898.

The Hotel Wampach,

Castle Hill Avenue, West Cliff,]

Proprietor: Mr. C. C. Wampach.

Telegrams - - "Wampach, Folkestone."

One of the most luxurious hotels in Folkestone is the Hotel Wampach, which for twelve years past has been conducted under the proprietorship of Mr. Charles Constant Wampach, after whom it takes its name. Owing to the steady increase of visitors the premises have had to be enlarged no fewer than four times since 1886, a fact which says all that need be said for the efficiency and up to dateness of the management. The establishment possesses the advantage of a central and favourable situation, being located on the West Cliff, the healthiest and most fashionable part of the town, and directly overlooking the pleasure gardens. It is close to the sea, the Leas and the principal churches, and within a few minutes' drive of the harbour and the west end stations. The frontage is of commanding proportions and suggestive of that elegance which is nowadays expected in every first class caravanserai. The interior contains upwards of eighty spacious apartments, including six suites of private rooms, together with state rooms, a large dining-hall, capable of accommodating 150 guests, beautifully appointed coffee and table d'hote rooms, ladies' drawing-room and reading-rooms, lounges, and, in fact, all modem conveniences. The furnishings, decorations, and general equipment are of very superior character, the sanitation has been carefully looked to, bath-rooms, etc., being available on each of the upper floors, and the electric light is laid on throughout. The house is famous for the excellence of its cuisine and for the choice and variety afforded by its daily menu. A superior table d'hote dinner is served every evening in the large hall from half-past six to eight o'clock, and may be partaken of by families not residing in the hotel, weekly ticket books being issued for the purpose. Breakfast from nine o'clock to ten, luncheon from one o'clock to two, and afternoon tea from five o'clock to half-past, are likewise provided at table d'hote charges, whilst meals can be served a la carte at any hour and for parties of any number. A remarkably reasonable tariff is in vogue, a notable feature of which is that there is no charge, for attendance, and visitors may either take rooms and have their meals at tariff rates, or be received on pension, at an inclusive charge per day. Specially reduced terms have been arranged for the winter and spring months, i.e., from November 1st to June 30th, Easter week excepted. Close to the hotel there is a good range of stabling, loose boxes, etc. A private bus meets all trains at Shorncliffe and Folkestone Central, and flys and open or closed carriages can be supplied at a moment's notice. The Hotel Wampach is extensively patronised by the nobility and gentry, and continues to extend its popularity season by season.

CHARLES CONSTANT WAMPACH

THE WAMPACH FAMILY HOTEL

Following the war, Mr Wampach opened number one Clifton Gardens as a high class restaurant, also named The Excelsior. However, this was short lived, and the building was unoccupied during 1919 and 1920. It became Excelsior Mansions from 1921 to 1922, advertising Private Apartments.

The Wampach Hotel (as The Excelsior) was offered for sale by auction on 31st January 1921. At that time there were 61 years remaining on the lease and the Ground Rent was £120 per annum.

The rampant lions at the elaborate entrance were executed by a Mr Parsons, a Sussex plasterer who came to live in Folkestone.

Council offices plan for hotel 1922.

The Council's General Purpose Committee set up a sub-committee to discuss the possibility of taking over the Excelsior Hotel for use as council offices. One councillor suggested they should also consider the conversion of the Majestic Hotel for the same purpose. The Herald was not too keen on the Excelsior idea, although admitting Castle Hill Avenue was one of the finest roads in town and it was offered cheaply.

It questioned whether it was central enough and whether there was room for a new town ball or band stand. The greatest need of the town, said the editor, was a large ball. The trouble was the town had been guilty in the past of doing things bit by bit instead of having the courage to do what was needed. It was time to consider doing something really big, he wrote.

THE DRAWING ROOM

THE DINING ROOM

In 1936 the Wampach was owned by The Liverpool and Folkestone hotels Ltd. The name had long reverted to The Wampach, and was in its hey-day in 1937-38 when the Manager was Mr C. Ledermann.

Unfortunately, war broke out in 1939 and once again the hotel was taken over by the army - this time by The Green Howards Regiment. The Wampach and the smaller Private Hotels in Castle Hill Avenue were lined with barbed wire and sentry boxes.

The Hotel escaped the bombs and shells, though it suffered a near miss in October 1940 when there was a direct hit on two small hotels opposite, resulting in two deaths. The site is now occupied by Hillstone Court.

In 1942, Mr and Mrs Wampach, then living in Cheriton Road overlooking Radnor Park, celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary.

Mr and Mrs Wampach's eldest son, Alphonse Christian, died on the 9th, November 1941, and as far as can be ascertained, Charles Constant Wampach died in 1951.

Extensive enquiries have not produced any other relatives.

THE CONTINENTAL WAMPACH HOTEL FOLKESTONE A SHORT

LIST OF RECOMMENDED WINE

NEW YEAR'S EVE 1964-65

The Hotel required complete refurbishing after the occupation by the troops for over four years, and it eventually re-opened in 1950.

The terms at that time were six to nine guineas per week, or 15/- per night for bed and breakfast. There were also six flats in the hotel. From 1952 one of these was occupied by Mr Harry Sargent, the hotel manager - later to become the owner.

The Wampach became very popular during the late fifties and sixties. It was renowned for its Wedding Receptions, catering, and the famous Toby Jug Bar. The entrance to the latter was where the main entrance to Court Place is today.

As holidays abroad became more and more popular, the holiday trade in seaside resorts became less and less. When the Continental Wampach (as it was then known) closed in the early seventies, Folkestone had already lost other major hotels, including The Queen's, The Majestic and the Esplanade.

In January 1973 plans were prepared for Rossglade Properties Ltd. to build a one and a half million £ hotel on the site. It was proposed that there would be underground parking on two levels, ninety single and double bedrooms, and penthouse luxury suites. Also included would be banqueting, conference and exhibition facilities.

Planning permission was applied for in May 1973, and granted by Folkestone Town Council with certain provisos. 10 October Rossglade agreed to reduce the depth of the building by eleven feet, to allow council plans for a new court complex to go ahead.

The Town Council would then advise Kent County Council to agree the plans.

There was disappointment in December when Rossglade's solicitors informed the owner of the Wampach, Mr Harry Sargent, that they were unable to proceed as they could not raise the mortgage. The selling price was believed to be between £150,000 and £200,000.

The Council were particularly disappointed as they had modified their plans for the new Court building, County offices, and an Assembly Hall at the Civic Centre to accommodate Rossglade's plans.

Until that time, Mr Sargent had been so confident of the sale going through, that during the previous month all the hotel's furniture, fixtures and fittings had been auctioned!

By the end of March 1974, another sale had been arranged, this time with a local man, Mr Sidney de Haan, the owner of Saga Holidays. He had plans to build a £40,000,000 International Conference Centre on East Cliff, and to demolish the Wampach and build a much bigger hotel. The Herald understood contracts had been exchanged.

Only one month later, at the end of April the hotel was wrecked by an arsonist. Firemen said the four hour blaze appeared to have been started in several areas at once. Brigades from Hythe, Canterbury, Ashford, Dover, Deal and Folkestone were present.

During the night Mr Sidney de Haan stood in Castle Hill Avenue and watched the blaze. He had completed the purchase with Harry Sargent only the week before.

A spokesman said that Mr De Haan would not be making any claim against the insurers.

THE HOTEL CONTINENTAL WAMPACH AFTER THE FIRE

THE HOTEL CONTINENTAL WAMPACH AFTER THE FIRE

THE HOTEL CONTINENTAL WAMPACH AFTER THE FIRE

In March 1975 the Continental Wampach was reduced to a shell, with just one of the two guardian lions remaining.

During February 1976 Mr de Haan was still going ahead with his plans for a 210 bedroom hotel, with parking for 61 cars and two coaches.

However, his plans were being challenged in the High Court by the New Folkestone Society. This organisation's aim was to quash the outline planning permission given by the Shepway Council in 1974.

MARCH 1982. Since The New Folkestone Society began their legal battle, Mr de Haan has been forced to mothball his plans for the past six years.

Mr William Miller, the owner of 27 Castle Hill Avenue, complained that the crumbling hotel and the partly demolished house, number 29, were attracting tramps, and was also a health hazard.

An argument flared between Sidney de Haan, Shepway Council, and the owners of the leasehold - The Radnor Estate - as to who was responsible for the demolition of the two buildings.

JULY 1982. The site by this time was described as being in a ruinous condition.

The Wampach was not a listed building, but stood in a conservation area, and listed building consent must be granted before complete demolition can be ordered.

Involved in the dispute by this time were Mr Colin Miller, secretary of the local resident's association, Shepway District Council, The New Folkestone Society, M.P. Sir Albert Costain, the Minister of the Environment, the local Ombudsman, individual district councillors, Mr Sidney de Haan, and the Radnor Estate.

OCTOBER 1982. A notice to demolish or repair the remainder of 29 - 37 Castle Hill Avenue was ignored by both the owners of the buildings, Radnor Estates, and Mc Sidney de Haao'sfinn, Saga, as lessees, therefore Shepway had no choice but to agree to arrange the demolition the cost to be recovered from one or the other.

It is said that the hotel had stood empty for so long, (over nine years), the insides are crumbling, the roof is missing, and the floors have collapsed.

NOVEMBER 1st. 1982 was the date arranged for the bulldozers to begin demolition. Shepway Council had asked for tenders to pull the buildings down, and the work was awarded to the New Romney based firm, F .S. Jackson.

DEMOLITION WORK IN PROGRESS

The demolition and clearing of the site was completed by early 1983, and in the following year Wimpey applied for planning permission to build a block of 51 Retirement flats on the site.

In spite of bitter criticism from Councillor Chris Capon, who sided with The New Folkestone Society that the flats should be occupied in part by first time buyers, the Council agreed that they should be sheltered flats, with a Warden's home and communal facilities.

Building work commenced in 1985 and the first of the residents moved in during December 1986 - exactly one hundred years after CHARLES CONSTANT WAMPACH opened Pension Wampach on this same site in 1886.

Court Place was officially opened by Folkestone M.P. Michael Howard in March 1987, who commented on the striking similarity between the contours of the modem building and The Hotel Continental Wampach.

Court Place Retirement Flats are proving to be on a very popular town centre site, with easy access to the Leas, town centre, rail and coach services.

When any flat comes up for sale it is usually taken very quickly, thus making this Avenue as popular now as in bygone days.

The completed Warden Housing project

COURT PLACE RETIREMENT FLATS
 

Above taken from Google maps July 2009, shows the site of the former Wampach Hotel.