Sandgate had a volunteer Fire Brigade from 1856 but in order to provide the latest Shand and Mason horse-drawn fire engine, and new ladders, an appeal was launched in 1882 for funds. Generous donations were made including one from James Morris, a former Governor of the Bank of England. However, a building to store the engine and equipment was also required, and the generous Reilly sisters, Jane Hester and Theodosia, held a Grand Bazaar to raise funds for this purpose in the beautiful grounds of their home, Encombe. The sisters also gave the land in the High Street for the building.

A local craftsman, John Waddell designed and constructed the building, and the Sandgate Fire Brigade took possession of the ground floor Engine Room in 1884 with much fanfare and rejoicing. In the same year, a Reading Room, above the Engine Room, was opened and run by the Sandgate Literary Institution. Later this room was used by the Sandgate Urban District Council as its Council Chamber, and when Sandgate Urban District Council was merged with Folkestone Borough Council in 1934, the Reading Room became a Public Library and this remained its use until 1982.

The Auxiliary Fire Service housed in the Engine Room did sterling service in World War II going to the aid of Canterbury during the blitz. However, it was clear that with modern fire fighting equipment, the Engine Room was not large enough and after serving as a Bailiff’s depot, it stood empty for ten years.

After Local Government re-organisation, KCC acquired the premises and from 1976, the Engine Room was put to good use by the Sandgate Society who rented it as their headquarters.  However, in 1982, KCC decided to locate the library in a larger, modern building and gave the Sandgate Society notice to quit so they could sell the building. At this stage, the Sandgate Heritage Trust, a Limited Company with charitable status was formed to meet the price of £18,000 and save the building for community use. Once acquired, further fund raising was necessary to restore the dilapidated building. The First Chairman of the Sandgate Heritage Trust was Mrs Linda René-Martin who has been from its inception a tireless supporter of the Trust. Two years later, she was succeeded by Dennis Vorley who held office until his death in 1996. The present Chairman is Rob Hudson.