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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