Is Ashford Kent a Nice Place to Live: A Historical Perspective
Ashford in Kent has transformed dramatically throughout its long history, evolving from a modest market settlement to one of Kent's most rapidly developing towns. To understand whether Ashford is a desirable place to live today, we must examine how its historical development has shaped its modern character, amenities, and community feel.
Ashford's Historical Origins
Ashford's story begins as a small settlement at an important fording point across the River Great Stour, where five ancient trackways converged. The name 'Ashford' derives from the Old English 'æscet ford', meaning 'ford near a clump of ash trees'. Archaeological evidence suggests the area was inhabited since prehistoric times, with significant Roman activity in the surrounding region.
The settlement gained formal recognition in the 13th century when it received its market charter in 1243 from King Henry III. This royal approval transformed Ashford from a rural settlement into a proper market town, setting it on a course for economic growth that would continue for centuries.
Ashford's Market Legacy
Ashford's market has operated continuously for nearly 800 years since its royal charter in 1243. The current market still operates in the town centre, maintaining a tradition that has been central to the town's identity for centuries.
The medieval Church of St Mary the Virgin, built predominantly in the 13th century with its distinctive 'crown' spire added in the 15th century, remains one of the town's most significant historical landmarks. Its central position reflects the importance of the church in medieval Ashford's community life.
Railway Revolution and Victorian Ashford
Ashford's trajectory changed dramatically with the arrival of the railway in 1842, when the South Eastern Railway chose the town as the location for its locomotive works. This decision fundamentally altered Ashford's character and growth trajectory, transforming it from a modest market town to an important railway centre.
The railway works became the town's primary employer, creating thousands of skilled jobs and prompting significant population growth. Between 1841 and 1901, Ashford's population more than tripled from approximately 3,000 to over 12,000 residents. This rapid expansion necessitated the development of new housing, particularly the distinctive railway cottages that still characterise parts of south Ashford.
Victorian Ashford saw significant civic developments, including the construction of a proper sewerage system, gas lighting, and eventually electricity. The railway company's influence extended beyond employment to welfare, with the establishment of the railway institute providing educational and recreational facilities for workers.
South Eastern Railway opens line through Ashford and establishes locomotive works
Railway works expand, becoming the town's major employer
Significant expansion of railway workers' housing in south Ashford
Victoria Road recreation ground opens - Ashford's first public park
20th Century Growth and Development
The early 20th century saw Ashford continue its steady growth, with the railway works remaining the economic heart of the town. During both World Wars, the town's strategic railway position gave it significant importance, though this also made it a target for bombing during WWII.
The post-war era brought major changes to Ashford. In 1959, it was designated for expansion under the Town Development Act, intended to accommodate London overspill population. This began a pattern of significant development that continues to this day. The 1960s and 1970s saw considerable residential growth, with new housing estates expanding the town's footprint substantially.
"Ashford stands at a crossroads between the old and new Kent - a market town transformed by rail, expanded by policy, and now reinventing itself as an international gateway." - From "Kent Settlements: A Modern History" (2005)
The closure of the railway works in the 1980s marked the end of an era, requiring economic diversification. Ashford responded by developing its retail, business, and distribution sectors, capitalising on its excellent transport links. The opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 and Ashford International station in the early 1990s positioned the town as a gateway to continental Europe, with high-speed rail services to London introduced in 2009.
Modern Ashford: A Desirable Place to Live?
Today's Ashford blends its historical character with modern amenities and development. Several factors shaped by its history influence its desirability as a place to live:
Transport Connections
Arguably Ashford's greatest asset is its superb connectivity, a direct legacy of its railway heritage. High-speed trains reach London St Pancras in just 38 minutes, while international services connect directly to Paris, Brussels, and beyond. The M20 motorway provides easy road access to London and the coast, making Ashford particularly attractive to commuters.
Housing and Affordability
Ashford's housing stock reflects its layered history, from medieval properties in the town centre to Victorian railway cottages, inter-war semis, and extensive modern developments. Compared to much of Kent and certainly to London, Ashford offers relatively affordable housing, which has been a key factor in its continued growth.
Heritage and Character
While parts of Ashford's historic character were lost to redevelopment in the 1960s and 1970s, the town retains significant heritage assets. The conservation area around the church preserves medieval and Tudor buildings, while the Victorian railway heritage creates distinctive neighbourhoods with strong community identities.
Amenities and Culture
As a historic market town that has seen substantial growth, Ashford offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities. The County Square Shopping Centre and Designer Outlet provide retail options, while the heritage of public houses, theatres, and community spaces continues. Recent cultural developments include the Revelation St Mary's arts venue in the ancient parish church and the Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre, acknowledging the town's railway heritage.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Ashford's rapid growth has not been without challenges. The town centre has struggled at times to maintain its identity amid development, with some critics suggesting it lacks the charm of other Kentish towns. The balance between preserving heritage and embracing growth continues to be debated among residents.
Significant ongoing developments include the Chilmington Green garden suburb, which will add up to 5,750 homes over the coming decades, representing one of the largest residential developments in the South East. The Ashford Borough Council's 'Big 8' projects aim to regenerate key sites and enhance the town's appeal.
Environmental considerations are increasingly important, with the town's expansion raising questions about sustainability and green space preservation. However, Ashford benefits from its position between the North Downs and Romney Marsh, with good access to countryside despite urban growth.
Conclusion: Is Ashford a Nice Place to Live?
Ashford's appeal as a place to live stems directly from its historical development. Its excellent transport connections, relatively affordable housing, and mix of heritage and modern amenities make it particularly attractive to certain demographics, especially commuters and families seeking more space than is affordable closer to London.
The town offers a different proposition to picturesque Kentish settlements like Tenterden or Cranbrook, instead providing practicality, connectivity, and growth potential. For those who value these aspects, Ashford represents an increasingly popular choice.
Its rapid development continues to shape its character, with the balance between growth and preservation of its market town heritage an ongoing negotiation. While it may lack the quintessential Kentish charm of smaller towns, Ashford's history has positioned it as a dynamic, connected, and forward-looking place to live within the Garden of England.
As Ashford continues to evolve, its historical foundations remain evident in its layout, buildings, and community identity, providing context for its modern development and future prospects. For those interested in living in a town with both deep historical roots and contemporary amenities, Ashford offers a compelling blend of past, present, and future.