TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on
CRANBROOK
The Weald of Kent is a truly magnificent place to be, AND CRANBROOK, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AREAS WITHIN THE WEALD( IT’ S CALLED THE CAPITAL OF THE KENTISH WEALD, IN FACT), IS A THRIVING AND PICTURESQUE TOWN. LOCATED HALFWAY BETWEEN HASTINGS AND MAIDSTONE, CRANBROOK HAS A DEFINITE FEEL OF A TRADITIONAL KENTISH TOWN WITH ALL THE TRAPPINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
The name Cranbrook comes from the Old English‘ cran broc’, which means crane marsh, although the area is better known for herons, so it’ s likely the early settlers may have made a mistake when naming their new home. It was the cloth industry that made the Weald – and Cranbrook – known across the county, and the country. Edward III asked Flemish weavers to live in the area and bring their weaving skills with them. Edward could see how this industry could bring in a lot of money and wanted to boost the economy of his own country and by bringing in‘ ready made’ weavers, he was able to do just that. Cranbrook and the surrounding area was ideal for weaving as the river could be dammed and watermills built quickly. At one point there were 17 such watermills in Cranbrook.
As the money came in, the once small village grew into a town and Cranbrook became the epicentre of the Weald of Kent.
THINGS TO DO
The Union Mill Perhaps unsurprisingly given its history, one of the most interesting and popular attractions in Cranbrook is the Union Mill. This Grade I listed building stands on the highest point in the town and the windmill is the tallest such structure in the UK. Even more fascinating, it is maintained in working order, so you can see exactly how milling was traditionally done.
Cranbrook Museum Within the lovely Cranbrook Museum are hundreds of exceptional artefacts from the town’ s past. The museum covers three floors and is located within a stunning example of a Wealden-built house; the building is Grade II listed and it dates from the 15th century. Inside the museum are many different stories that all interconnect to tell the history of Cranbrook itself.
St Dunstan’ s Church St Dunstan’ s is Cranbrook’ s centrepiece, a place where everyone is welcome and where locals and visitors flock to soak up the atmosphere of such a beautiful building. It is over 500 years old and is noted for its size, particularly in relation to the population of the town( approximately 7,000). The church is known for its excellent acoustics, its elegance and its spaciousness.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest In neighbouring Goudhurst, you’ ll find Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest. Both a recreational and conservational arboretum, there is plenty of space to play here for younger visitors. There’ s also a long list of more structured activities including horse riding, birdwatching, a‘ Go Ape’ treetop adventure, walking, orienteering, exploring, a treasure hunt and cycling.
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