Ashford

As a market town,Ashford has for centuries been a local communivations hub for the surrounding villages and has stood at the centre of five railway lines,.With the opening of the international passenger Station is now an important european communications cenrte,with new linws running between London and the Channel Tunnel.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 doomsday Book,compiled in 1086,as having a church,two mills and a value of 150shillings.
How things have changed.Ashfords importance as a growing agricultural and market town was confirmed in 1243 when it was incorporated, The market was held in the high street until 1856 when local farmers and buisnessmen relocated to Elwick Road and formed a Market company that claims to be the oldest surviving registered company in england and Wales.There is still a market in the town although the market company has relocated outside the town.Parts of the parish church date from the 13th century,but was substantiallyy restored in the 25th century,with alterations since.In 1638 a free grammar school was founded here, It remained until 1846,Now used as a museum.