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The Development of Ashford 18th to the 21st Century

18th Century Ashford

During the eighteenth century, Ashford was a relatively small town serving a community of approximately 2000 people. The High Street was the central hub of trade and a thoroughfare for travellers on their way to Maidstone, Canterbury or the coast. A market was established in the reign of Edward I and continued to grow in size and frequency in the eighteenth century. In 1784, a Stock Market was established in the Lower High Street and, in 1797, the Military Barracks were built at Barrow Hill on the outskirts of the town. These changes encouraged Ashford's development with population growth and urban construction taking place over successive centuries. The introduction of public transport also placed Ashford on the map, with coaches and carts departing to various locations throughout Kent and farther a field several times a day.

19th Century Ashford

In this century, Ashford underwent many changes which shaped the future development of the town. The major change was the coming of the railway in 1842, services of which came to Ashford via the London to Dover line established by the South Eastern Railway Company. This was followed in 1846 by the opening of the Ashford to Canterbury Line; and then in 1850 the Ashford to Rye and Hastings Line. Other services followed and were each important stages in the growth of modern Ashford. Further changes and improvements to the town came in this century as well. Firstly, a permanent barracks were established at Barrow Hill on the outskirts of the town centre in 1805 and, secondly, in 1847 the Newtown Railway Works opened. These establishments not only meant a boost to the population as workers and soldiers arrived, it also stimulated an increase in services and trade in the main High Street. Trade directories of this century show an increase in shops and trades, and the greater variety of services offered. In 1856, the Cattle Market was moved to the Elwick Road site where it became one of the largest in the county, and the Corn Exchange was established in 1861, which was also located in Elwick Road. This Road, along with Bank Street had been constructed  in this period. The old Ashford was eventually yielding to the times of change. It was certainly in this century that the town witnessed a flurry of opportunities that moulded Ashford for generations to come.

After the turmoil of the First and Second World War's, Ashford continued to attract trade and people as the town grew in size to incorporate the huge rate of growth. Housing estates on the outskirts of the town sprang up due to the demand and the infrastructure required was also established. Schools, both primary and secondary, were either enlarged or built; hospitals such as Ashford Hospital and the William Harvey Hospital were established or transformed during this period; and leisure services were created such as the Stour Centre and various cinemas were established around the town. The Ashford Railway Works were the main instigator of the continual influx of people, however, in 1981 these closed due to lack of demand leaving approximately 1000 people unemployed. Despite such a disappointment the town diversified allowing bigger influences into the town. Changing the Ashford skyline, the Charter Consolidated building opened in 1974, and on the ground, traffic around the town centre was helped by the forming of the Ring Way; also the International Station transported people from Ashford to Paris and Brussels in 1994. Drastic changes to the town meant the disappearance of old streets, fine buildings and long-established businesses of the town such as Norman Cycle Works, Ashford Tannery, British Wheel Works, which could not diversify or witnessed a decline in demand.

Out-of-town shops have eased the pressure upon the town centre, but the High Street still maintains its vibrancy and traditions by holding markets and music displays. The town has embraced the new century with the introduction of the two-way Ring Way in 2007; the establishment of a third shopping centre in 2008; and the opening of the Designer Outlet in 2000. Future plans include further implementation of pedestrian-friendly streets around the town centre; a possible monorail from the Designer Outlet into the town; and the High Speed 1 train service to London in just 37 minutes from 2009.