Radford House

11/08/2026

Uncovering the History of Radford House 🏛️
Before we begin, we'd like to acknowledge an error in our previous post. The image shared was an AI-generated interpretation and was mistakenly presented in a way that may have suggested it was a historical image of Ramsgate. We apologise for this and thank those who brought it to our attention.

Working on a beautiful historic building is a Project Manager's dream. Being part of a project that will create a vibrant community hub, support local groups, budding artists, entrepreneurs and the wider community, while also preserving the building's rich history, is a real career highlight.

As we've begun renovations, we've uncovered some fascinating items, hidden treasures and unique building features. Rather than sharing everything at once, we'll be revealing our discoveries over the coming months, alongside the history of 18-20 Effingham Street.

Historic England records that the building now known as Radford House began life as an early to mid-18th century townhouse, before being converted into Ramsgate Fire Station in 1905. [https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1101734?section=official-list-entry]

As we explore the history of Radford House, we are committed to sharing verified historical information and sources wherever possible.

This Week's Discovery: ⚓ A View of Ramsgate and its Harbour, 1792
This week's image shows an early engraved view of Ramsgate and its harbour by Francis Jukes from 1792. The picture, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town around the time the building is believed to have stood.

So, what did Ramsgate look like in 1792?

We'd love for you to join us on this journey. Do you have any memories of the building, interesting facts, old photographs or stories to share? We'd love to hear them!

📢 Calling all Ramsgate residents, local historians and curious minds... let's uncover the story of Radford House together.

04/08/2026

Ramsgate Town Council is pleased to announce that work has now commenced on the external restoration of Radford House, marking a significant milestone in the building’s transformation into a vibrant community facility for Ramsgate. The works are being undertaken by BW May & Sons Ltd, the specialist contractor appointed following a competitive tender process.

Please follow Radford House on Facebook & Instagram for regular updates.

For full details, please visit: https://www.ramsgatetown.org/ramsgate/ramsgate-news/news?p=10213681

Comments are turned off on this post as it is an official Council statement intended to provide information to residents.

29/07/2026

🏗️ Exciting progress at Radford House!
Over the past few weeks we've been busy clearing and preparing Radford House for the next phase of its transformation.

We're incredibly grateful to our fantastic tenants for their patience, understanding and cooperation while relocating to alternative accommodation. A special thank you to Chat Time, Ravengate Singers, Manspace, and the Ramsgate Horticultural Society for your flexibility and support throughout this process. We look forward to welcoming you all back to your new home once the refurbishment is complete.

With the building now almost ready, external refurbishment works will begin shortly, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for this historic building.
Over the coming days you'll start to see scaffolding go up and restoration work taking place to preserve and enhance Radford House for future generations. This investment will help create a welcoming, accessible community hub where local organisations, residents and businesses can come together.

We'll be sharing regular updates as the project progresses, so keep an eye on our page to follow the journey and see the transformation unfold.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the project—we can't wait to show you what's next!

30/03/2026

Just for some fun, we’re having Peter Borrough at Chat Time tomorrow, 31 March, with one of his fab and entertaining film shows, this one about Ramsgate in the 60s! There’s lots about people who appeared here and the entertainment on offer.

It’s free to come and join some of our regular people at Chat. The film starts at 11.30am! Come earlier and have a chat, it’s very friendly.

11/03/2026

Tonight Radford House hosts this year’s Annual Town Meeting at 7pm, a chance for everyone in Ramsgate to hear from and ask questions of your elected Councillors.

The hall is also giving space for Sharon Goodyer to pass on fresh vegetables to make nutritious meals, saving the produce from landfill, for small donations. Sharon and volunteers are in the hall 10-4 Monday to Friday, for the next 3 weeks.

07/03/2026

Fresh fruit and veg is on offer at Radford House in Effingham Street, Ramsgate today (March 6) as part of a scheme by Local Meals Made With Love. The project, led by healthy and affordable food cam…

07/03/2026

Come and see us at Ramsgate’s Repair Cafe this Sunday morning, 10.30-1pm! We have a group of brilliant helpful volunteer repair folk, there’s a great atmosphere, and the cafe for a cuppa!

We’re at Pie Factory Music’s venue at the top of the High Street, just before St Laurence Church and opposite Ellington Infants School. If you’re not sure if we can help, drop in and ask us, we love a challenge!

Do you need help with your repair? Then come to a Repair Café in your area. Want to do the repair yourself? Then read our tips and tricks on repairing all kinds of products! https://www.repaircafe.org/en/community/tips-tricks/

16/02/2026

The Ramsgate Town Shed has its official opening this week! After a year of meeting, working things out, gathering our first Shed Head team, finding a space to inhabit and the team fitting it out, we are now ready to launch fully and welcome people to come and use the workshop.

We have the opening on Wednesday 18 February and will have leaflets at Radford House and the VIC about what’s available. The aim is to open on Mondays 10-1pm if we have enough Shed Heads able to be at the Shed.

To find out when to come along, just contact us via [email protected] or pop a note through the Shed door and we will get in touch!

The Shed is in Church Road CT11 8RF, just at the end of the Home Bargains car park, opposite numbers 58 & 60. You will see our sign outside!

11/02/2026

If you have a bit of spare time, please come and support the photographers and help make it a happy occasion.

Private View of Wildlife Photography by members of the East Kent Mencap photography hub. This Monday 16 February from 1-3pm at the old fire station Radford House!