Ashford facts for kids

Ashford is a name used for several towns and places, especially in England and the United States. It's a common name, often meaning a place near a "ford" (a shallow part of a river you can cross) that is lined with "ash" trees.

One of the most well-known places called Ashford is a large town in Kent, England. It's located in the southeast of England, about 61 miles (98 km) southeast of central London. Ashford is a busy and growing town, known for its important railway connections.

Ashford, Kent: A Growing Town

Ashford in Kent has a long history, but it has grown a lot in recent times. It used to be a smaller market town, where farmers would come to sell their goods. Over the years, it became much more important because of the railways.

History of Ashford

Ashford's history goes back a long way. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, a famous survey of England. For centuries, it was a quiet market town. Its big change came in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway. The South Eastern Railway built large workshops here in 1847, making Ashford a major railway town. Many people moved to Ashford to work on the trains and tracks.

Modern Ashford

Today, Ashford is a modern town with a mix of old and new. It has a busy town centre with shops and restaurants. The town is still an important transport hub, especially with the High Speed 1 railway line passing through it. This line connects London to the Channel Tunnel and Europe, making Ashford a gateway to the continent.

Transport Links

Ashford International railway station is a key part of the town. From here, you can catch fast trains to London in about 38 minutes. You can also travel directly to places like Paris, Brussels, and Lille in Europe on Eurostar trains. This makes Ashford a very connected place for travel and business. The town is also close to major roads, including the M20 motorway.

Economy and Life

Ashford's economy has changed over time. While the railway workshops are smaller now, the town has new industries. These include logistics (moving goods), technology, and retail. Many people also commute from Ashford to work in London or other nearby cities. The town has several parks and green spaces, offering places for people to relax and enjoy nature.

Education in Ashford

Ashford has many schools for children of all ages, from primary schools to secondary schools. There are also colleges that offer further education and training. This helps to support the growing population of families in the area.

Other Places Named Ashford

Besides Ashford in Kent, there are other places with the same name.

• Ashford, Connecticut is a town in the United States. It's a smaller, more rural community.
• Ashford, Surrey is another town in England, located closer to London. It's also a busy residential area.

The name "Ashford" is a good example of how place names often describe the local landscape or history.

See also

In Spanish: Ashford para niños