The neighbouring villages of Hammerwood, Ashurst Wood (part) and
Sharpthorne (part) are also in the parish.
Hammerwood
Hammerwood lies two miles north of Forest Row and has a population
of about one hundred. The hamlet was once an important centre of
the iron industry, but lapsed into insignificance until a banker,
Oswald A. Smith became the owner of what had been the iron master's
home. Having
built the mansion, now known as Hammerwood Lodge, he developed an
extensive estate, building houses for the workers and one building
to serve as a school and a Chapel of Ease in the parish of East
Grinstead. He then arranged for the formation of a parish of Hammerwood
from parts of the parishes of East Grinstead, Forest Row and Hartfield.
The Vicarage was built in 1875 and St. Stephens Church in 1879.
The development ceased after his death in 1892 and the estate has
gradually been broken up. The school is now three houses. A strong
community spirit continues today and is centred around the church
and the village hall.
Ashurst Wood
Ashurst Wood has a population of approx. 2000 with its own Parish
Council and falls mainly within West Sussex but a small portion
is within East Sussex and Forest Row civil parish. The village has
its own church (St. Dunstans, part of the ecclesiastical parish
of Forest Row), a Village Centre, some fine timber-framed houses,
two recreation grounds with pavilions, tennis courts, primary school,
two playgroups and a selection of shops. In addition there is a
wide range of church, school, social and sporting organisations.
Sharpthorne The centre of the village of Sharpthorne lies within
the County of West Sussex and West Hoathly Parish but the outlying
parts form part of Forest Row Parish together with the hamlet of
Wych Cross.
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