Ashford Museum

24/05/2026

Thanks to Tonbridge Model Engineering Society, we have acquired this fascinating map of the South Eastern Railway route from Ashford (just east of Chart Leacon bridge) to Westenhanger (Saltwood Tunnel). It's not dated but we think its based on the OS 25" 1872 survey (we'll check this) and the Maidstone to Ashford Railway is not shown. Mileposts are marked from 66 to 75 (which is probably measured on the original SER route from London Bridge via Redhill).
The map is marked with the names of the owners of land adjacent to the railway. Due to it's length, c. 6 m, we can't display the map or, due to its condition, make it available for viewing in the Museum, but hope to make it available digitally.

19/05/2026

The model threshing machine is now on display in the Wilks Hall.

The threshing machine was built by apprentices at Stanhay in 1949-50 and was displayed at the Kent County Show in 1950. It returned to the Show in 2024 when we displayed it on the Wheels of Time stand.

You can read about the threshing machine on the Museum website

The model threshing machine was built by apprentices of Stanhay (Ashford) Ltd.

12/05/2026

Today the exhibition marking the centenary of the General Strike opens at the Museum. Developed by Ashford Borough in partnership with Ashford Museum, NUR, ASLEF, TSSA and GMB,
this exhibition explores Britain’s only national general strike, from its roots in the coal crisis to its impact on everyday life. Over nine days in May 1926, millions of workers withdrew their labour in support of locked out miners.
Using national context and the local experience of Ashford, the panels show how the strike was organised, how communities responded, and why it remains a powerful moment in working class and trade union history

11/05/2026

We have dismantled the Percival Edward Norman Exhibition today but it will be returning in July, in the meantime you can read about Percival and other prominent Ashfordians on Ashford's Heritage https://heritage.ashfordmuseum.org.uk/ashford-people/

05/05/2026

Sunday's launch of the exhibition marking the Centenary of the 1926 General Strike at The Ashford Cinema.
Opened by Her Worship the Mayor; Ken Loach introducing the episode of his series relating the background to the General Strike and its end; Simon Renton, historian and past president of the University and College Union; Barbara Plant, President of the GMB.
This exhibition explores Britain’s only national general strike, from its roots in the coal crisis to its impact on everyday life. Over nine days in May 1926, millions of workers withdrew their labour in support of locked out miners.
Using national context and the local experience of Ashford, the panels show how the strike was organised, how communities responded, and why it remains a powerful moment in working class and trade union history.This exhibition explores Britain’s only national general strike, from its roots in the coal crisis to its impact on everyday life.
The exhibition is displayed at the Cinema until Thursday 7th May and will be shown at Ashford Museum from Tuesday 11th May.

08/04/2026

We were delighted to welcome Elizabeth and Ginny, daughters of Percival Edward Norman to launch the display about the forgotten brother of Charles and Fred Norman (the founders of Norman Cycles).

Percival served in the RAF during the war, exhibited at the Royal Academy, 1941-45, and after war taught at Royal Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone School of Art, a silversmith, sculptor, potter, stain glass designer, painter, violin maker and famous aero-modeller.

Photo: Elizabeth and Ginny with Museum Curator, John Worger

28/03/2026

Ashford’s role in Trade Union History

Nine days that stopped Britain

This exhibition explores Britain’s only national general strike, from its roots in the coal crisis to its impact on everyday life. Over nine days in May 1926,millions of workers withdrew their labour in support of locked out miners. Using national context and the local experience of Ashford, the exhibition shows how the strike was organised, how communities responded, and why it remains a powerful moment in working class and trade union history.

The Ashford Cinema
Elwick Place
3 May – 8 May 2026

Ashford Museum
From 12th May 2026

Launch of Exhibition
Ashford Cinema
Sunday 3rd May 4:00pm – 7:30pm

Drinks, Canapes and Film £12.50

Speakers:
Barbara Plant, National President GMB
Simon Renton

Ken Loach inroducing his film ‘General Strike‘

Tickets from Ashford Cinema https://www.theashfordcinema.co.uk/movie/days-of-hope-general-strike

Organised by

Ashford Borough Council
in partnership with

ASLEF - The UK Train Drivers' Union
GMB Union
National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
TSSA - Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association
Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Ashford Museum

09/03/2026

Do you enjoy using spreadsheets? We need a volunteer, familiar with Microsoft Excel, to help with our administration.

09/03/2026

The Museum reopens on 31st March. Why not volunteer to welcome our visitors.
No experience or knowledge required. It is a public facing role and an interest in Ashford's history helps.

05/02/2026

This is Richard E. Bumstead JP, MBE, (1883 - 1930) who was an engine driver for the railway and was very active in the railway unions throughout most of his working life. He became a Justice of the Peace in 1917 and was awarded an MBE at the end of WW1 in 1918. He was an elected member of the Council as well as holding many other positions in the town.
He was married to Kate Cackett and they had seven children.
As part of activities to mark the 100 year anniversary of the General Strike in May 1926, Ashford Museum is researching his life and would be interested to find out if he has any descendants or family still living locally.