The railway works came to Ashford in 1847 and grew to be the third largest works in the country. Initially locomotives were built* and in 1850 the carriage and wagon works opened. The growth of the works can be illustrated by the number employed – 1851 : 600, 1861 : 950, 1882 : 1300. In the 1900’s almost one third of the town’s population were employed at the works. Much of South Ashford was developed as housing for the workers centered on Beaver Road and Newtown. The locomotive works closed in 1962, the carriage and wagon works in 1982 and the wheel shop in 1993.**
Was in town to visit my parents, so decided to check out the old works. There is work being done on the entrance of the building and a parking lot on the far side, with workers constantly driving through the grounds. I started on the Newtown Rd side and checked out the Electro-plating shop before making the great dash towards the main building. There was no security in sight though I think they’re based at the entrance. Anyways, on with the pictures!
Nice to see some familiar names; Stealth and One Flew East
Thanks for checking this out
Was in town to visit my parents, so decided to check out the old works. There is work being done on the entrance of the building and a parking lot on the far side, with workers constantly driving through the grounds. I started on the Newtown Rd side and checked out the Electro-plating shop before making the great dash towards the main building. There was no security in sight though I think they’re based at the entrance. Anyways, on with the pictures!
Nice to see some familiar names; Stealth and One Flew East
Thanks for checking this out
