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Originally a small hamlet that grew up at one of the “gates”
of Ashdown Forest where the turnpike road (now the A22) began its
climb up the forest ridge, the village of Forest Row has grown gradually
over the past 150 years or so. Much of its growth was due to the
arrival of the railway in 1866 and the founding of the golf club
in 1888. For 100 years the  village
had a direct train service to London but sadly the line was an early
casualty of the “Beeching Axe”. The steady growth of
Forest Row has, however, continued with a population in the parish
of nearly 5,500 at the last census.
The village has retained much of its rural character and is a pleasant
mixture of old and new, with traditional Sussex cottages and pleasing
modern developments. There are several village greens carefully
preserved and maintained by the Parish Council giving an attractive
open appearance. A modern children’s playground is located
on Rush Green that provides many hours of enjoyment for the younger
members of the community.
Forest Row is now a shopping centre for a wide area and virtually
every trade and profession is represented amongst the small shops
and businesses that still provide a personal service. A small number
of light industrial units have also been built and these have helped
to create a balanced community without intruding on the basic character
of the village.
The population of the village is diverse largely due to the presence
of Michael Hall School and over the years the village has become
something of a centre for organic produce and services - witnessed
by the presence of Tablehurst and Plawhatch farms, Cyrnel Bakery,
the Seasons and other small businesses.
A growing number of activities is well provided for in the two village
halls, the community centre, church halls and the Memorial Pavilion
at the recreation ground.
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