Groombridge
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Groombridge is a village of about 1,600 people which straddles the border between Kent and Sussex. The nearest large town is another which sits on the border; Tunbridge Wells, about 4½ miles away by road.
The main part of the village is New Groombridge, and it stands in Sussex. Across the county boundary lies the much smaller and older part of the village, "Old Groombridge".
New Groombridge
New Groombridge in Sussex is the larger part of Groombridge. It has a parish church, St Thomas, in the Diocese of Chichester and a village primary school, a Church of England school. The village has a general store, a bakery, a post office and the usual range of small, local shops. The pub is The Junction Inn.
Old Groombridge
Old Groombridge in Kent has its own parish church, St John The Baptist, in the Diocese of Rochester. Its pub is The Crown Inn, but it has no shops.
Groombridge Place
Groombridge Place is a popular visitor attraction, boasting an impressive 700-year history beginning in 1239. Groombridge Place has been owned by some of Kent's most distinguished families, including the de Cobhams and Sir Richard Waller, ancestor of the poet Edmund Waller and of Tim Waller, co-founder of the East Grinstead Hash House Harriers, as well as of Winston Churchill.
Burrswood
Burrswood in countryside northwest of Groombridge, is an independent non-surgical hospital which treats the whole person in a Christian environment. Specialities include palliative and respite care, post-surgical care, rehabilitation, counselling, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. As a charity, Burrswood runs an "Access to Care" bursary fund where individuals may apply for assistance with fees. Burrswood also offers regular healing services, guest house, tea room, gift shop and Christian book shop. Burrswood was founded in 1948 when Dorothy Kerin established her healing ministry. In 2008 it celebrated its diamond jubilee and a commemorative service was held in Rochester Cathedral.[1]
Railway
Groombridge once stood on the Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells Central Line, but its Groombridge station was finally closed on 6 July 1985.
Groombridge today is on the Spa Valley Railway and is at present the southern terminus of that line. The current Groombridge station is on the east side of Station Road, and a joint ticket for the railway and Groombridge Place is available.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Groombridge) |
- Location map: 51°6’52"N, -0°11’9"E
- Village website
- Burrswood Christian Hospital
- Groombridge Place
- The Raptor Centre n the grounds of Groombridge Place