Ashford
Ashford is a town in the county of Kent, England. It lies on the Great Stour river at the south edge of the North Downs, about 61 miles southeast of the central London and 15 miles northwest of Folkestone.
Ashford began as a Saxon village but in the early 13th century it grew into a small market town. In 1243 Ashford was given a charter document granting the people of Ashford certain rights. The charter was renewed in 1348 and 1466.
As well as the weekly market Ashford was allowed an annual fair. From 1348 Ashford was allowed 2 fairs. In the middle ages Ashford was a busy little market town although it would seem tiny to us today with a population of no more than 1,000.
During the reign of queen Mary (1553-1558) Protestants were persecuted in England. At the time 5 men from Ashford were executed at Canterbury while 2 more from Tenterden were executed in Ashford in 1557.
Ashford Grammar School was founded in 1635. During the civil wars of the mid 17th century Ashford was in parliamentary hands and so did not witness any fighting.
By 1801 Ashford had a population of 2,151. However in the 19th century Ashford grew rapidly especially after the railway works opened in 1847. By 1851 Ashford had a population of 5,000 and by 1901 it had reachaed nearly 13,000.
From 1845 Ashford had gas street lighting. Victoria park was opened in 1886 and a sewage works was then opened in 1889. In 1894 Ashford gained a district council. However Ashford had to wait until 1926 for an electricity supply.
During the Second World War 83 people were killed in Ashford by German bombing. At the end of the 20th century the Channel Tunnel opened and it spurred the growth of Ashford again.
Today the population is more than 120,000.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
12th August saw members enjoying a convivial evening after President Alan Jose showed us round the Charing Crematorium.
moreBryan Gipps, Director of Music, St Mary’s Church, Ashford, is presented with a cheque by Sue Brown from London Beach Hotel Tenterden, with Rotary President, Alan Jose. This donation will go towards the Church Organ Restoration Fund.
moreCharity Concert success as 3 top musicians entertain an excited audience in Ashford's St Mary Church
moreMayor Larry Krause told us about his early life in Australia and how he now supports local Charities: 'The Friends of William Harvey' and 'Men in Sheds'
moreMember Stuart McRae tells the Club abut his life and the lucky breaks that have helped him and his wife through a successful and happy life.
moreThe Rotary Club of Ashford's Community Shelter at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park was opened today.
moreOn Monday 10th January, following a frugal supper, PP Kitty Brook, her granddaughter, Kristina, and Kristina's partner, Akeem, gave a talk on 'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen'.
moreOn Sunday 26th June we ran a Charity Cream Tea Party for around 100 people in aid of President Liz's chosen Charities -'Canine Helpers' and 'Kent MS Therapy Centre'. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable afternoon.
moreMcArthurGlen Management teams up with the Rotary Club of Ashford to raffle prizes freely donated by many retailers at the Outlet Centre.
moreWe were delighted on Monday night with a talk by 12 year old Lilia who explained the meanings of Ichimatsu Ningyo, Hina Ningyo, Daruma Ningyo, Kokeshi Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo; various forms of Japanese Doll.
moreSophie's entry, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ashford, took first place at National level in the Rotary Young Photographer Competition.
moreThe Object Of Rotary
moreMembership
moreInternational Committee
moreClub Policies & Health & Safety
more