St Matthew

This ancient chapel, dedicated to St Michael, was some 50 yards from the east window of the present church. 

By the end of the 18th century the population of Ashford had risen to about 400 and the chapel became too small for the needs of the parish. In 1795 a report stated that the structure was ‘in a ruinous state’. One William Walker of Chertsey made a survey, reporting that it would cost £1,000 to take down and rebuild the old chapel. A committee met at The King's Head public house in July 1796 and appointed James Pope, Master Bricklayer of Feltham to commence work. Ashfordians were as generous in those days as they are now, and twelve parishioners readily agreed to bear the cost. A new chapel was built of plain brick with a small steeple. It lasted only sixty years, in sharp contrast to the 700 years of its predecessor.

The coming of the London and South Western Railway to Ashford Halt in 1848 led to further growth in population. During the Bishop's Visitation in 1850 he was informed that there were only 32 'free' seats for the Poor, and as a consequence ‘many are being driven into Dissent’. The report led to the building of a new church. William Butterfield, an architect of considerable fame, was appointed, and the foundation stone was laid by Colonel JS Brownrigg on 11th July 1857. The church of St Matthew was consecrated on 26th June 1858.