Ashford, Kent

Ashford is a town in the borough of Ashford in Kent, England. Its agricultural market is one of the most important in the county.

Communications

Roads

Ashford was one of the towns that became a hub when the roads were turnpiked in the second half of the 18th century. Today it is on the M20 motorway which offers easy access to London, Maidstone and Folkestone, with junctions 9 and 10 serving Ashford. The A20 runs almost parallel with the motorway, and the A28 allows access to Canterbury and Tenterden. Also leaving Ashford are the A251 for Faversham and the A2070 for Brenzett and Hastings.

Related Topics:
Turnpiked - M20 - Motorway - London - Maidstone - Folkestone - A20 - A28 - Canterbury - Tenterden - Faversham - Hastings

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The A292 Ashford Ring Road is well known for being popular with boy racers.

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Railways

The South Eastern Railway opened its main line from London to the town on 1 December 1842, and by 7 February 1844 trains were running through to Dover. The importance to the town of the railway, however, was when the company established its locomotive works here. The railway community had its own shops, schools, pubs and bathhouse, and much of the area retains the look of a ?railway town? .

Related Topics:
South Eastern Railway - 1 December - 1842 - 7 February - 1844 - Dover - Locomotive works - Swindon - Crewe

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Ashford became a junction with a line to Margate opened in 1846; in 1851 the line to Hastings was opened: and on 1 July 1884 the final connection, from Maidstone, was made.

Related Topics:
Margate - Hastings - 1 July - 1884 - Maidstone

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When the Channel Tunnel was opened in 1994, the new Ashford International station began operating. It now serves the high-speed rail link that began service in 2003.

Related Topics:
Channel Tunnel - Ashford International

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