Staplehurst, Kent
| 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 | MAIDSTONE |
| 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, 9 miles (14.5 km) 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 similar to that of some small towns. It includes the village of Hawkenbury. However, Staplehurst lacks the feel of a town and urban facilities such as a leisure centre or a supermarket, although planning permission has been granted for the latter. There are a number of local shops in the Parade, 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 for doctors and dentists. The building of the medical centre on a school field enabled the school to have a large sports hall built.
In recent years Hush Heath Estate has gained renown for award-winning pink sparkling wine.
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 uninjured, but affected by the incident for the rest of his life.
In 2003, Staplehurst won the Kent Village of the Year Competition.
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Wikipedia