History of Forest Row
Dating back to the 14th century, it has grown into a thriving community providing residents, visitors, business associates and all with a pleasant mixture of the old and new - Sussex cottages, modern developments, country pubs, a variety of schools, sports facilities, and organic farms - all surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside.
The Ashdown Forest became a favourable and idyllic place for hunting in the 14th century. The King and his Lords would use Forest Row as their base. Such as the king Edward III and his son, John Of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster were regular enthusiasts. Timber framed houses began to replace the simple shelters, of which some can still be seen today: The Rose Cottages, The Square, Chequers, Post House and The Swan are but a few. The first mansion built in the area was the Brambletye in 1631. However, by 1680 the stately home was unfortunately destroyed, and today only the ruins stand to be seen bleakly in a field.
It was not until the 18th century that there was a substantial change once again, with the new roads to London, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. More estates began to appear over the surrounding areas, the grand Kidbrooke Park, as an early example, was built in 1724 and then extended in the 19th century. Over two hundred years, this land was occupied by many successive families. Other such houses were the Ashdown House, Hammerwood, and Thornhill, which were being established for the pleasure of living away from the black smoke of the city.
Time went on, and by 1866 a railway linked the ever growing village, firstly to East Grinstead and then extending to reach London and Tunbridge Wells by 1882. Forest Row had become the perfect place for leisurely weekends, for playing golf on the fine greens or simply for the admirable countryside. In 1911 it had become a resort as popular and expensive as Ascot and Virginia Water.
The Village Today
Forest Row, with nearly 150 small shops and businesses, provides its community with a large variety of different trades and skills with a personal service. The village has an organic baker, Seasons wholefood shop, and many alternative health care clinics and practitioners.
The Forest Way cycle trail passes through Forest Row on Sustrans Route 21 and provides an easy to cycle off road route the 3 miles west to East Grinstead, (plus from there another 10 miles to Three Bridges/Crawley) and to the east another 10 miles to Groombridge with quiet lanes the final stretch to Tunbridge Wells.
There are two bio-dynamic community farms - Tablehurst Farm and Old Plaw Hatch Farm. They provide organic meat, vegetables and dairy products all year round.
A large selection of different sports can be enjoyed, from sailing, course fishing and bird watching at the Weirwood Reservoir, to the 19 hole Golf course at the foot of the Ashdown Forest. There is the Memorial Recreational Sports Grounds that provide the facilities for tennis, football and cricket clubs.
The Village Hall (pictured right) is used for a wide variety of uses - from jumble sales to drama productions, public meetings, the film society and live bands.
The Community Centre, (pictured left) the old secondary school building is bursting at the seams with a wide range of different group meetings; language, creative and health classes; and also a Cafe, open five days a week, with organic community cafe on Fridays, it offers home-made light refreshments, making it the perfect place to meet and make new friends.
The Public Houses situated around the Village Hall provide a good range of ales and food and some such as the Brambletye and Chequers have hotel facilities. There are also number of restaurants and cafes.
Michael Hall School (pictured) based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner, is situated in the beautiful grounds of Kidbrooke Park. Emerson College is an adult centre of training and research based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner.