Cuckfield
From Free net encyclopedia
Template:Infobox England place with map Cuckfield is a large village and civil parish (with a mayor) in the Mid Sussex District of West Sussex, England. It is located on the southern slopes of the Weald, two miles (1.6km) west of Haywards Heath. Before the modern local government system came in to operation in the late 19th century it was described as being in the hundred of Buttinghill, in the rape of Lewes. The civil parish covers an area of 431.58ha, and has a population of 3266 persons (2001 census).
The town grew as a market town; and an important coaching stop between London and Brighton, since it lay on the turnpike. In 1820 fifty coaches a day were passing through; but when the railway to Brighton was to be constructed in the 1840s, local landowners objected to its projected route: it was therefore built through neighbouring Haywards Heath instead. The town lost its importance as a result. Today the A272 road also bypasses the village centre. It is however home to Warden Park Specialist School one of the main secondary schools serving the Haywards Heath area.
The Parish Council, Cuckfield Museum and village library reside within the Queen's Hall, built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond_Jubilee. The parish church, dedicated to Holy Trinity, has Norman foundations, although the building itself is 13th century. The lych gates are listed buildings.
Gideon Mantell found the first known iguanodon fossils near the town, on a site where a monument to him now stands. He also features in the town's museum. Other attractions include the Elizabethan stately home Cuckfield Park, to the west of the village. The Cuckfield Bonfire Night celebrations are held here.
Cuckfield is also known locally for its idosyncratic system of mayoral voting; unlimited numbers of votes can be purchased for the price of one penny each, with the winner receiving the most votes.[1]