insideKENT Magazine Issue 46 - January 2016 | Page 99

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
S P O T L I G H T

O N

ashford

Ashford has always been an important, even essential, Kentish town. With its unrivalled
train and road links (Ashford is at the centre of five different train lines, and has an
exceptional and well-renowned station, Ashford International, which includes the
excellent HS1, and of course the Eurostar for travel into France and beyond), its superb
markets (both historic and modern), and exemplary shopping facilities, Ashford can
lay claim to being the Kentish town that has it all. BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Willesborough Windmill

County Square Shopping Centre

St Mary's Church

McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet

Ashford’s great position, transport links, and prominence had a downside
as well; during World War I it was a target for aerial bombing, and 61 people
were killed in 1917 when a bomb fell on the town.

history in brief
The name Ashford comes from the Old English ‘aescet’ which literally means
‘ford by the ash trees’, but other names include Esselesford and Essheford.
The first settlers in the town date from around 1500BC after an Iron Age
barrow was discovered. With this rather literal name, Ashford was easy to
remember, and easy to find, making it the perfect place for weary travellers
to head to, and if travellers were making their way to Ashford, then merchants
were too, and soon enough a thriving market industry was built up. But it
wasn’t just the local produce that was selling; plenty of iron ore was mined
in the area and throughout the Weald, and it was all taken to Ashford since
there were two huge steelworks there.

things to do
County Square Shopping Centre
With over 5.3 million shoppers visiting County Square Shopping Centre, it’s
little wonder that it is one of the most popular places to go for some retail
therapy. The centre is over 440,000 sq ft, and with its own 600-space car
park it’s convenient and easy to get to and enjoy. Shops include Debenhams,
Marks and Spencer, BHS, Next, Mothercare, and The Entertainer as well
as many more.

When Hugh de Montford, the Constable of England, realised just how busy
and influential Ashford could become in 1086, he set about ensuring that
it did just that by building a church, two mills, and a number of houses. By
the time the 13th century arrived, Ashford was firmly known as the place
to go for agriculture, livestock, steel, and even pottery.

McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet
Ashford is famous for its shopping facilities, and if you love a designer
bargain the McArthurGlen Outlet is the place to go. The centre is just off
the M20, but is also only five minutes from Ashford International train station

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