Ashford originates from a settlement in 893AD. It was listed in the Domesday Book under its Saxon name of Esslesford, as having one church and two mills with a value of 150 shillings.
It was an agricultural area and market town in the 1400’s but by the l6th century it was known mainly for livestock.
As a market town it has always been the hub for commerce for the surrounding villages. It is in the centre of five railway lines.
Ashford is an important European centre with rail lines to London and the Channel Tunnel.
Operation Stack is the code name the police use when lorries are held up because of industrial action in France or bad weather in the English Channel. This causes the A14 and M20 motorway to become blocked several times a year.
Ashford is accessible from both junction 9 and 10 of the M20 motorway.
As from 2005 Ashford has pledged to erect 800 homes annually.
Properties to let in Ashford cost approximately £457 - £575pcm for a l bed flat, £575 - £600pcm for a 2 bed flat and £625 - £1000 for a 3 bed house.
One of the largest companies in Ashford is the Campbell Soup Company who produces Batchelor soups.
There are three modern shopping centres in Ashford, Park Mall, County Squares and a Designer Outlet. Bank Street and the High Street are traffic free. Shops to be found trading in Ashford include Principles, Evans, Ted Baker, Ben Sherman Shop, Top Man and Van Heusen.
The town has several sports clubs including hockey, football, rugby and swimming clubs. There is also The Julie Rose Athletic Stadium that is home to Ashford Athletic Club.
Ashford is also home to Sarah Ayton who is an Olympic Gold medallist for sailing, Lisa Dobrinsky, a Commonwealth Gold medallist 1500m runner and Jamie Staff a BMX World Champion.
On 8th July 2007 the Tour de France cycle race will be passing the town on the London to Canterbury stage.
Near Ashford is Hamstreet Woods a National Nature Reserve, Port Lypne Wild Animal Park and Gardens, Woodchurch Rare Breed and Wye and Ashford museums.
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