The Borough's Arms consist of a simple shield, crest and badge which were designed to symbolise the general character of the district.

Against the shield's background of gold for the richness and fertility of the 'Garden of England' are three sprigs of ash representing the three former Ashford areas of East Ashford Rural, West Ashford Rural and Ashford Urban. Each sprig has five leaves to indicate the five areas comprising the Ashford Borough which include the three areas already mentioned along with Tenterden Rural District and the old Borough of Tenterden.

A wavy line suggesting the rivers of the area, i.e. the Stour, Rother and Beult, borders the 'chief' or top of the shield in which is contained one of the gold and white 'lion-hulks' taken from the ancient arms of the Cinque Ports. The 'lion-hulk', which indicates the historical importance of Tenterden as a member of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports, is on a green background, suggesting the rural district of Tenterden surrounding the borough.

Above the shield is the closed helm proper to civic arms, with its twisted crest-wreath and decorative mantling or tournament cloak. These are white and red, the colours of the Kent County Council shield, and of the device of Ashford Urban District Council. Red is also the colour of the field of the Tenterden Arms.

On the wreath is the crest which symbolises the main characteristic industries of this part of Kent. The white horse of Kent, seen in the device of Ashford Urban District Council and the medallion of East Ashford Rural District Council, holds in its mouth a leaved hop-cone and rests a hoof on the driving wheel of the locomotive 'Invicta', which was a feature of the Ashford Urban District Council device.

The motto "With Stronger Faith" is a phrase adapted from a poem by Richard Lovelace, the 17th century poet and a member of the Lovelace family of Bethersden in the former West Ashford Rural District. This phrase appropriately expresses the aspirations and determination of the borough council.

The Arms were designed by H Ellis Tomlinson, M.A., F.H.S.

For more information on the Borough Arms please contact Member Services on 01233 330564.