Updated 3/1/2012
Cranbrook, the capital of the Kentish Weald
In spite of its small size, Cranbrook (meaning ‘brook frequented by cranes or herons’) has a great deal to offer the visitor. Cranbrook probably looks and feels much as it has done for centuries: a peaceful small town of weather boarded houses, surrounded by orchards and farmland. The area became famous for its fine, smooth woollen cloth called broadcloth, and Cranbrook became a centre for the manufacture of this cloth.
Located in the Garden of England this delightful town has many and varied attractions including a fine smock windmill, the Union Windmill, the second tallest in the country, built in 1814 by James Humphrey. It is still working today and affords from the top fine views across the stunning Kent countryside.
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Cranbrook also boasts the ancient Cranbrook School close to the church. It started as a grammar school in a house bequeathed by John Blubery in the reign of Henry VIII; it received a Royal Charter from Elizabeth I in 1574, and is still going strong today! St Dunstan’s Church was dedicated to St Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury from 960 to 988. A small church was established in the late 11th century, and the present sandstone church was started in the mid-13th century.
The Vestry Hall located in front of the Church on the corner of Stone Street and the High Street was recently the site of another milestone – the meeting of Joanna Lumley and the ’mystery woman’ from Cranbrook, instrumental in part to the success of the Gurkha Justice Campaign with Peter Carroll!
Cranbrook with its B&Bs and good selection of hotels is an ideal base for exploring the area. From the steam train line at Tenterden to Bodiam to Smallhythe Place, the former home of Edwardian actress Ellen Terry, there’s something for everyone. Music lovers will enjoy the jazz evenings in Cranbrook, and Finchcocks Museum of Music near Goudhurst.
Three miles from this beautiful town is Sissinghurst Castle, gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and one of the most visited gardens in England.
Cranbrook also boasts an historic museum, well worth a visit! Or just soak up the atmosphere of this delightful old town with its narrow medieval streets lined with pretty old houses, every one different from its neighbour. The main road bypasses the town, so ensuring that only local traffic encumbers its narrow winding medieval streets. I think that you will not want to leave!
Author's Resource:
Review on Cranbrook, Kent by Glyn Cutts
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Cranbrook, Kent Directory
