Newtown Clocktower, Ashford

 

While this clocktower has seen better days, it's still a crucial part of Ashford's history and therefore deserves a little post dedicated to it before demolition or restoration is completed.

We've walked past this sad reminder of the old railway station hundreds of times, and the rubble surrounding it is a sad sight for sure. But lets go back to better days and have a look at its history.

Newtown, the suburb, was built by the South Eastern Railway in 1847 and was originally called Alfred Town, but the name Newtown had stuck by 1861 and thus it was renamed. Now the intention for the estate was to provide houses for the railway workers and it even included a pub, and this was indeed the case right up until the nearby workshops closed.

Now the old engine sheds and workshops are being demolished to make room for studios or houses, it is all up in arms at the moment, but the most interesting aspect just on the roadside is the clocktower, which is meant to be being restored to its former glory.

The clock stopped working in the 1980s and hasnt chimed since, the time is fixed, and the building is derelict, pretty much just a fancy pigeon house. Made by Thwaites & Reed from Brighton, the clock and its tower was an integral part of the area and is now a landmark for Willesborough residents so it would be sad to see it knocked down like the buildings nearby.

The tower was built in 1901 so is the last remaining Edwardian building on this site, and we are itching to see the inside but that is a crime so we admire it from outside like normal people. But it gives off lonely vibes and you can imagine the ghost stories that can be crafted after dark! It is a very inspiring building with its chalky brickwork and weathered look, but we hope it is here to stay!

We know this is a short post, but this clocktower is important to us and we wanted to share it even as just a nice looking abandoned building. So here it is, the ghost of Newtown, long may it remain.

DISCLAIMER: Now for the official bit. This blog does not receive any paid promotions from the places mentioned above. We have not been approached to promote or act as spokespersons for any attraction mentioned within this post and this is simply a post intended to act as a day in the life of a couple on a cute date. All photos included are taken by ourselves and as such the rights for these images our ours, no links, brands, or companies mentioned otherwise belong or are associated with Phantom Adventures UK. We are responsible only for this blog. Opinions are our own and not influenced by any third party source.. 

If you have any recommendations on places to visit or somewhere you would like to see on the blog, please feel free to drop us a message on instagram under @phantomadventuresuk or email us at phantomadventuresuk@gmail.com