Crowborough

A rural market town situated within East Sussex, England, and the largest inland town in the area. Located seven miles from Tunbridge Wells, the town is set on the highest point of East Sussex offering fantastic views. Crowborough is a relatively new town, only developing its independence in 1905. It is twinned with the French town Montargis and the Greater Manchester town Horwich. Population of the town today is over 25,000.

Based on its high elevation, 787 feet above sea level, its rolling hills and surrounding forest, Crowborough was promoted as a health resort during the Victorian era. Its location alongside the Ashdown Forest and within the High Weald Area of Outstanding National Beauty would lend much credence to this. Crowborough today is home to the nationally recognised Horder Centre, which was founded in 1954 as the charity 'The Horder Centre for Arthritics' by Cecilia Bochenek. Today the Centre provides orthopaedic diagnosis, treatment and surgery for hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, hands and spinal, as well as rheumatology, and specialist assessment of arthritis and other muscular-skeletal conditions.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, famous author and creator of Sherlock Holmes is one of Crowborough's most famous ever residents. Captain of Crowborough Beacon Golf Club in 1910, the town boasts one of the only statues of him anywhere in the world. An annual festival is held in the town devoted to the popular detective character. Luxford House, a magnificent Tudor building situated at the south end of town, was once owned by the legendary rock manager Tony Stratton-Smith. His in-house recording studio played host to artists as diverse as Neil Diamond, Genesis and Van Der Graaf Generator, whose ‘Pawn Hearts’ album sleeve features a photo of the house. David Jason who played Del Boy in 'Only Fools and Horses' was another well-known resident of Crowborough during the 80's.

The main event in the town's calendar is the celebration of Guy Fawkes Night, held annually on the 5th November. As many as 5,000 people descend upon Goldsmiths Recreation Ground to witness the Town Council event. Donations on the night are traditionally collected by the local Lions Club, a local community service club, and donated to the Mayor's Charity. The Town Council also puts on a Summer Fair and a Christmas Fair, for which the dates are agreed annually. A number of other local societies and clubs also host events, ensuring a full calendar for the residents of Crowborough.

New shops are opening in the town with some expanding into larger premises, demonstrating that the population of Crowborough does want to support its local shops and services. There is an even mix between national chains and local independent stores, with a farmers market held on the first Saturday of each month. With Gatwick Airport approx 40 minutes away by road, Crowborough is well located for transport links to the rest of the world, while its proximity to London and improved railway service operated by Southern has led to it increasingly becoming a commuter town.