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.

History

It is likely that the town originates from an original settlement established about 893AD, although a Roman road passed through here from the iron making area to Canterbury. It is listed in the Domesday Book, as having a church and two mills, under the name Essetesford. The manor was owned by Hugh de Montford, Constable of England at the time.

Related Topics:
Iron making - Canterbury - Domesday Book

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Its importance as a rural centre was confirmed in 1243 when it was incorporated, and by 1600 it had risen to become an important market town, primarily for livestock.

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Parts of the parish church date from the 13th century but was substantially restored in the 15th century with many alterations since. In 1638 a free grammar school was founded here. It was built on the churchyard?s west side, and remained there until 1846.

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