Crowborough

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Crowborough is one of the highest points in Sussex at 240 meters (787 ft) above sea level in the centre of the High Weald and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Placed as it is on this elevated ridge, it commands extensive panoramic views. Until 1905 it was part of the ancient parish of Rotherfield and small communities in the Weald, like Crowborough, remained remote from civilisation due to the problems of transport over notoriously bad roads in an area of heath land only inhabited by highwaymen, smugglers and the odd farmer.

 

However, the development of the turnpike roads at the end of the 18th century helped in the development of the town centre and this was accelerated in Victorian times when rail access was provided and it became a resort on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. The Forest covers 6,400 acres, although in ancient times it was twice as large, and is the remains of the Lancaster Great Park deer hunting forest. Free public access on foot exists over which walkers can explore most of the Forest. There are over fifty car parks, many with picnic tables. Ashdown Forest is also the setting for A. A. Milnes Winnie-the-Pooh stories and one of the most famous landmarks is Pooh Bridge – so popular is the game of ‘Poohsticks’ that the surrounding area has been denuded of twigs and small branches by the thousands of visitors to the site!

 

In 1909 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle famous for the Sherlock Holmes novels, moved to Crowborough where he lived until the age of 71. He built Windlesham Manor a large house where he wrote a number of further novels. A statue of Sir Arthur was erected to commemorate him at Crowborough Cross.

 

Crowborough lies on the A26 Tunbridge Wells to Lewes Road, from here it takes approx. 10 minutes to reach Tunbridge Wells and around 40 minutes to reach either Eastbourne or Brighton.

 

In 1809, Edward Howis, who leased what is now the Warren estate in Withyham boasted of taking only three hours on a good horse to reach his business premises in Piccadilly.Today that journey can be made from Crowborough Station which is actually at Jarvis Brook a little under 2 miles South-East of Crowborough town centre. Train journey times to London Bridge are around 60 minutes.

 

Schools

There are thirteen schools in and around Crowborough, including Beacon Community College, Hearne County Junior School, High Hurstword C.E. Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. A full list of schools can be found here

 

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You can find further information about the area by following these links: Golf, Hunting, Fishing & Shooting, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

 

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