Aylesford

Aylesford
Medieval bridge over the River Medway at Aylesford
Aylesford
Location within Kent
Population10,660 (2011)
OS grid referenceTQ729589
District
Shire county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townAYLESFORD
Postcode districtME20
Dialling code01622
PoliceKent
FireKent
AmbulanceSouth East Coast
UK Parliament

Aylesford is a village and civil parish on the River Medway in Kent, England, 4 miles (6 km) northwest of Maidstone.

Originally a small riverside settlement, the old village comprises around 60 houses, many of which were formerly shops. Two pubs, a village shop and other amenities are located on the high street. Aylesford's current population is around 5,000.

The Parish of Aylesford covers more than seven square miles (18 km2), stretching north to Rochester Airport estate and south to Barming, and has a total population of over 10,000 (as of 2011), with the main settlements at Aylesford, Eccles, Blue Bell Hill and (part of) Walderslade.

Aylesford Newsprint was a major employer in the area and the largest paper recycling factory in Europe, manufacturing newsprint. It closed in 2015.