Did you know that...
Ashford TW15 was inhabited since the Bronze Age. Man-made items dating to that period have been found in the area. The nearby HM Prison Bronzefield derives its name from the artifacts found here. There is also evidence of a Neolithic henge in this part of West London. In the 11th century, Ashford TW15 was known as Exeforde and it was owned by the count of Mortain. The name changed to Echelford in the Middle Ages. Ashford name derives from the River Ash. In 1789, Hampton and Staines Turnpike Trust built the bridge over the ford. The nearby Fordbridge roundabout takes its name from this bridge. During the rule of King George III, the British Army used Ashford Common for military shows. In 1809, the common was enclosed.
In 1902, Ashford Manor Golf Club was developed on the grounds of the old Manor Farm House. Astrologer and media personality Russel Grant owned the manor estate. Architect Henry Clutton designed St David’s School building in the Gothic Revival style. St James Senior Boys School took over the building of St David’s when it closed. Uncommonly for a UK school, St James teaches Sanskrit. Ashford County Grammar School opened in 1911. It became Spelthorne College in 1975. In 2007, Spelthorne College merged with Brooklands College. Notable alumni include musician Gary Numan, theater critic Susannah Clapp, cricketer Don Bennett, Olympic athlete Wendy Smith-Sly, actor Martin Freeman, and radio personality Irene Thomas.
Famous Ashford residents include writer Anthony Burgess who authored A Clockwork Orange, astrologer Russel Grant, Mungo Jerry founder Ray Dorset, and Olympic gold medalists Sarah Ayton and Sarah Webb. Gymnastics group Spelbound originates from this TW15 area. Nicholas Bond-Owen who played Tristram Fourmile in George and Mildred and footballers Roger Johnson and Phil Younghusband were born here. Spelthorne Atoms youth basketball team was originally named Ashford Atoms. It is one of the UK’s best youth teams.
