Uckfield

About

Uckfield is an attractive market town combining classic values of strong community spirit and
friendliness with all the modern necessities of life. The town is situated on the southern boundary of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with the Ashdown Forest nearby; the River Uck meanders through the lower part of the town.

Uckfield has a long and interesting past. It still retains some of its medieval past centred mainly around Holy Cross Church, but many other historical sites can be found within the town and its surrounding Parish.

Uckfield has existed since the 12th Century, but evidence has been found of Stone Age tribes that were in place around 9000 BC. The Saxons arrived to give the settlement its name - Uckfield - Ucca's open land. By 1220 Uckfield, a small borough in the Archbishop of Canterbury's Manor of South Malling, had a manorial prison and court and also a market albeit briefly.

Due to its location Uckfield was a central point for many trade routes across the south and as far back as 1637. Until 1752 coach carriers linked Uckfield and London as the main Lewes-London road. By 1805 a daily route to London was established. In and around the town many buildings conceal medieval timber frames beneath later bricks and tiles.

The town centre has a large variety of retail outlets, including two supermarkets, banks, a cinema and leisure centre with swimming pool. There is a good selection of small specialist shops, antique shops and eateries - a good way of seeking out those local specialities or a special reminder of the area to take home. Towards the bottom of the town, on the banks of the River Uck is an attractive pedestrianised shopping area, Bell Walk, which includes a café/restaurant.