Staplehurst

Staplehurst /ˈsteɪpəlhɜrst/ 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. However, Staplehurst does not have the large facilities, like a supermarket 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. A number of public houses are situated in the village, including the Railway Tavern, the King's Head, the Bell Inn, and the Pride of Kent. The village 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.