Staplehurst
| Staplehurst | |
|---|---|
 All Saints' Church |
|
 Staplehurst
|
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| Staplehurst shown within Kent | |
| Population |
6,003 (2001) 5,947 (2011 Census) |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TONBRIDGE |
| Postcode district | TN12 |
| Dialling code | 01580 |
| Police | Kent |
| Fire | Kent |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament | |
6,003 (2001)
Staplehurst /ˈsteɪpəlhɜːrst/ is a large village and civil parish, situated south of Maidstone in Kent, England. The name Staplehurst comes from the Saxon words staple (meaning post) and hurst (meaning wood or clearing in a forest). The village lies on the route of a Roman road, which is now incorporated into the course of the A229.
There are approximately 2,600 households and 6,000 residents, a population that brings the village on par with some small towns. The population includes the village of Hawkenbury. However, Staplehurst does not have the large facilities, like a supermarket although planning permission has been granted to build one,and leisure centre or the feel of a town. There are a number of local shops at the Parade, which lies roughly at the centre of the village, and one public house, the King's Head. It also has a small library and a newly built two-million-pound medical centre which contains numerous doctors and dentists. The building of the medical centre on the school field enabled the school to have a large sports hall built. During the last few years Hush Heath Estate has become renowned for its pink sparkling wine which has won awards.
In the early 19th century, Staplehurst was often visited by invalids seeking recuperation, especially those from Romney Marsh and East Kent, apparently attracted by the purity of the air.
The Staplehurst rail crash, in 1865, is a significant event in the history of the village. Charles Dickens, who was on board, was affected by the incident for the rest of his life.
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Wikipedia