Staplehurst, Kent

Staplehurst is a historic village and civil parish in Kent, located nine miles south of Maidstone. Its name derives from Old English, meaning ‘wooded hill at a post’, likely referencing a boundary marker near All Saints’ Church, which dates back to the 12th century and stands at the village’s highest point. The village grew from scattered hamlets and farmsteads, including the 16th-century Loddenden Manor, now a private residence.

The village has a rich religious heritage with several places of worship, including the Grade I listed All Saints’ Church, a United Reformed Church with roots dating back to the 17th century, a Strict Baptist chapel used since the mid-18th century, and a Free Church established in the late 20th century.

Staplehurst also has a notable past event, the 1865 rail crash, famously involving Charles Dickens. The village won the Kent Village of the Year Competition in 2003, reflecting its vibrant community spirit.