The Borough Arms

The Borough Arms. . , Ashford's Borough Arms was designed by H. E. Tomlinson, M.A., F.H.S. to symbolise the general character of the district, with each element representing a different aspect of Ashford's history, as well as its location within the county of Kent., Beginning with the shield, the colours of gold and green represent the richness and fertility of the 'Garden of England (as Kent is known). The three sprigs of ash, the tree which likely gives Ashford its name, represent the three former historic Ashford areas: East Ashford Rural, West Ashford Rural, and Ashford Urban., Each sprig has five leaves each to also represent the historic Tenterden Rural, District and the old borough of Tenterden., The wavy line separating the gold and green represents the rivers of Ashford Borough, and the gold and white lion is taken from the ancient arms of the Cinque Ports confederation, which historic Tenterden joined as a "limb" of Rye., Above the shield is a closed red and white wreath, representing the colours of the Kent County Shield, which has features that symbolise the main characteristic industries of this part of Kent., The white horse of Kent at the top of the arms holds in its mouth a stem of hop leaves, a symbol of Kent's brewing industry. It also stands on top of the driving wheel of the steam locomotive Invicta designed and built by Robert and George Stephenson to be used on the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, where in 1830 it became the first locomotive in the world to operate a steam-pulled passenger service., Ashford Borough's Motto , The Ashford motto at the bottom of the arms, With Stronger Faith', is a phrase adapted from the poem Lucasta. Going to the Warres by Richard Lovelace, the 17th century Cavalier poet from Bethersden. Lovelace's other famous works include To Althea. From Prison which includes the famous line, 'stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage., "With Stronger Faith" appropriately expresses the aspirations and determination of the borough council, and is reflected in the town centre bandstand, as well as the Civic Beacon which was unveiled in North Park, opposite the Civic Centre, in 2018. The Civic Beacon is a permanent memorial to the memory of Richard Lovelace and his historic connection with Ashford.