Landscape record TR 04 SW 391 - Memorial Gardens, Ashford

Summary

The features of the memorial garden and public open space include a sunken amphitheatre, pier, moorings, wide lawns, flowering fruit trees and fountains. The gardens also include two stainless steel gateways, designed by Anthony Robinson, depicting flying swans.

Location

Grid reference Centred TR 0112 4256 (175m by 231m) (2 map features)
Map sheet TR04SW
County KENT
District ASHFORD, KENT
Civil Parish ASHFORD, ASHFORD, KENT

Map

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Full Description

A civic consciousness about this garden confirms its status as a serene and secluded setting for the war memorial, which is approached from both east and west memorial gates by an avenue of chestnut trees.
Links with Europe are celebrated in tapestry bedding, depicting the escutcheons of Ashford and her twinned towns of Fougéres and Bad Munstereifel.
Flowering trees and shrubs bring colour to each season, and in the special garden, made in association with Quest International, the fragrance of aromatic plants, the wind chimes and birdsong liven the senses.
Nearby Vicarage Field, formerly the graveyard of St. John's Hospital, was acquired in 1951. It is a small green square with lime trees and shrubs, central to the town.
The Memorial Gardens, between Church Road and Station Road, Ashford, were originally glebeland that was acquired in 1924.

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Record last edited

Sep 14 2011 5:10PM