CRANBROOK AND SISSINGHURST PARISH COUNCIL
- THE OLD FIRE STATION STONE STREET
TN17 3HF CRANBROOK, KENT
Phone: 01580 713112
Fax: 01580 713280
E-mail: Send messagewww.cranbrookparishcouncil.co.uk
Short profile:
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council serves an exceptionally beautiful and commercially significant swathe of the Weald of Kent. The attractive market town of Cranbrook and the nearby pretty village of Sissinghurst form the nucleus of a vibrant and diverse community bounded by ancient woods and forests and enclosing rich farmland. The varied landscape and the vagaries of history have shaped both the character and appearance of the area.
The Union Windmill symbolises the crucial role of agriculture in the region while the magnificent St Dunstan’s Church recalls the prosperous medieval cloth industry. Cranbrook School, founded in 1518, is a powerful presence in the town, a constant reminder of the importance of youth and the future within a historic context.
The potent attraction of historic buildings is perfectly exemplified by Sissinghurst Castle Gardens – a world famous, much visited National Trust property with a fascinating past.
Detailed description:
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council is dedicated to preserving its remarkable legacy by fostering an environment in which farming, education and tourism can continue to thrive and benefit local businesses and services. Cranbrook and Sissinghurst fall within the Borough of Tunbridge Wells and are represented in Parliament by the Member for Maidstone. Roughly equidistant and easily accessible to these two important urban centres, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst have nonetheless preserved their rural aspect and a remarkably high level of self-sufficiency. Cranbrook’s size (population approximately 7, 200) belies its status as “Capital of the Weald”. A market town since 1289, Cranbrook is still the obvious choice of shopping for the surrounding villages as well as residents and workers in the town.
The diversity of retail outlets includes several specialist stores that attract shoppers from a great distance. Monthly Farmers’ Markets in Vestry Hall and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens underline the continuing importance of agriculture to the local economy. The town sustains a wide range of businesses and services including most notably 2 major secondary schools: the grammar school in the town centre and Angley, a comprehensive school, on the outskirts. Angley’s special sports status is supported by the adjacent Weald Sports Centre as well as many dedicated Clubs including Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Bowls and Golf.
Cranbrook School’s Queen’s Hall hosts professional and amateur theatrical entertainments and the Cranbrook Film Club. Art Shows are held regularly in the town and Cranbrook Orchestra and Cranbrook Choral Society frequently perform at St Dunstan’s Church, which features in “England’s Thousand Best Churches” by Simon Jenkins The historic Churchyard is a place of pilgrimage for many visitors from USA, Canada and Australia exploring their origins.
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