Our Town

Crowborough is the largest inland town in East Sussex. It lies on top of the High Weald and at over 800 feet it was in earlier times a beacon. The town spreads out from the ancient beacon site. Crowborough as a high point with views of the surrounding country from all directions made it a favoured haunt of smugglers who could ensure the approach of excise men was observed well in advance. In the First World War, an army training camp was established at Crowborough Warren. Despite many defence cuts the camp survives to this day. There's more on Crowborough's history at the The Sussex Weald website.

The present town developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as an outpost of Tunbridge Wells (six miles North) for the newly enriched middle classes. As Tunbridge Wells was enjoyed for the recuperative power of its spa waters, Crowborough became a fresh air resort in the Edwardian Era. In the second half of the twentieth century the town's population expanded threefold from 7,000 to 21,000.

The rapid growth in population has bought pressure to bear on the town's services and infrastructure. The hospital was modernized and enlarged only after a vigorous campaign by the townsfolk and is now a jewel in the town's crown with its highly admired birthing centre. Beacon Community College is a large comprehensive school catering for children from the outlying districts as well as the town. A new library building enabled the old one to be used as the Town Hall. The folk of Crowborough are served well in matters of health and education.

Crowborough is a pleasant place to live with very low crime levels. Greet folk in the street with a good day and they will respond and smile.

Crowborough is surrounded by the High Weald an area of outstanding natural beauty. The views from many parts of the town have the High Weald as its backdrop.