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Ашфорд (город, Великобритания) / Великобритания

Ашфорд или Эшфорд — город в английском графстве Кент, административный центр одноимённого района . Расположен в 98 км к юго-востоку от Лондона и в 24 км к юго-западу от Кентербери. Город известен с IX века, упомянут в Книге Страшного суда 1086 года под именем Essetesford. В XIII веке получил статус market town, то есть города, имеющего право устраивать рынки. В середине XIX века, после строительства железных дорог, стал бурно расти. В городе находится станция Ашфорд-Интернашенал, являющаяся крупным железнодорожным узлом, через который проходит несколько линий, в том числе High Speed 1, используемая высокоскоростными поездами Eurostar. Рядом со станцией находится аутлет-центр McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford.

National trust

Ашфорд (город, Великобритания) / Великобритания

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, commonly known as the National Trust, is a charity and membership organisation for heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, there is a separate and independent National Trust for Scotland. The Trust was founded in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley to "promote the permanent preservation for the benefit of the Nation of lands and tenements of beauty or historic interest". It was given statutory powers, starting with the National Trust Act 1907. Historically, the Trust acquired land by gift and sometimes by public subscription and appeal, but after World War II the loss of country houses resulted in many such properties being acquired either by gift from the former owners, or through the National Land Fund. Country houses and estates still make up a significant part of its holdings, but it is also known for its protection of wild landscapes such as in the Lake District and Peak District. As well as the great estates of titled families, it has acquired smaller houses including some whose significance is not architectural but through their association with famous people, for example the childhood homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. One of the largest landowners in the United Kingdom, the Trust owns over 248,000 hectares of land and 780 miles of coast. Its properties include over 500 historic houses, castles, archaeological and industrial monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves. Most properties are open to the public for a charge , while open spaces are free to all. The Trust has an annual income of over £630 million, largely from membership subscriptions, donations and legacies, investments, entrance fees to properties, and profits from its shops and restaurants. It also receives grants from a variety of organisations including other charities, government departments, local authorities and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.