Kennington, Kent

Kennington is a suburb and civil parish located just northeast of Ashford town centre in Kent. The area is traversed by major roads including the A28 Canterbury Road and A2042 Faversham Road, with the A251 Trinity Road marking its western boundary. The Great Stour river and Kennington stream flow through the parish, adding to its natural charm.

The village has a rich history, with its name believed to derive from the Saxon term for “king’s town.” St Mary’s Church, dating back to the 13th century, features stained glass windows by Charles Eamer Kempe and a medieval font reputedly in continuous use since 1236. Historically, Kennington hosted an annual fair specialising in pedlary and toys every July.

Recent years have seen significant residential development, with new housing estates in Little Burton, Trinity Road, and Conningbrook Lakes, alongside plans for Conningbrook Park and Eureka Park. Conservation areas protect parts of Ball Lane, The Street, and Faversham Road, preserving the village’s character.

Kennington offers a range of amenities including five pubs and restaurants such as The Old Mill and The Rose Inn. The community hosts an annual Summer Fayre in June, raising funds for local causes. Educational facilities include the Towers School for secondary education, Kennington CE Academy for juniors, and Downs View Infants School.