HOME | VIBE | TOWN | SHOP | COMMUNITY | HEALTH | BUSINESS

Your company logo could be here for less than you think...

A Brief History of Ashford

It seems that Ashford most probably originates from an original settlement established around 893AD. It became large enough to have a mention in the doomsday book, listed with a church and two mills under the name 'Essetesford' in 1086.

Ashford officially became a market town in 1243 and by 1600 it had risen to become an important market town, primarily for livestock.

Parts of the parish church date from the 13th century but was substantially restored in the 15th century with many alterations since.

1636 saw Ashford's first Free Grammar School built on the churchyards west side. It remained there until 1846.

By far one of the most important times for Ashford was in 1842, with the arrival of the railway and 1846 with the building of the railway works. This helped the town double in size by 1861. The railway community had its own shops, schools, pubs and bathhouse. The works closed in 1981.

1996 continued the railway tradition in Ashford with the opening of Ashford International Passenger station, part of the high speed rail connection network between Britain and the continent, bringing the journey time from Ashford to Paris to about 2 hours 30 minutes. This rail link work is still ongoing which will enable journey times to be cut even further.

Ashford had one of the first known purpose built cinema's in 1911. The town also spent most of the '90's without a cinema due to the building of Ashford International Station, but now boasts one the largest cinema ' complex's ' in Kent.

Famous People connected with Ashford :
Sir John Furley - one of the founders of St.John Ambulance Service.
Simone Weil - French Authoress buried in Bbrook cemetary
Sir John Foggle - Lord of Repton Manor he restored the parish church in 13th century and, at his own expense, built most of the bell tower.
Dr John Wallis - Internationally recognised as one of the greatest mathematicians, credited by Sir Isaac Newton as being the founder of his theory of gravity.

Calling all Ashford Historians!
If you would like to share your knowledge and contribute to this guide on Ashford's history, then please email your submissions to us here at
info@thisisashford

Search The Web...

Free E-mail A/c with ThisIsAshford

Vocal Local...
(Express yourself)

Feedback

Home
Vibe Zone
Community Zone
Health Zone
Business Zone

Useful links -
Restaurants

Education in Ashford

Play Games

Have a go at our online Jigsaw

Reach out to more people by advertising your business on
 ThisIsAshford