Editing Uckfield

{{Short description|Town in East Sussex, England}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox UK place
| official_name            = Uckfield
| country                  = England
| region                   = South East England
| static_image_name        = File:High St. - panoramio.jpg
| static_image_caption     = Uckfield town centre
| area_footnotes           = <ref name=ESiF>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastsussexinfigures.org.uk/webview/ |title=East Sussex in Figures |access-date=26 April 2008 |publisher=East Sussex County Council |archive-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228085807/http://www.eastsussexinfigures.org.uk/webview/welcome.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 7.5
| population               = 14,493
| population_ref           = (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=11129935&c=Uckfield&d=16&e=62&g=6422082&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1444573575084&enc=1|title=Town population 2011|access-date=11 October 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104630/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=11129935&c=Uckfield&d=16&e=62&g=6422082&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1444573575084&enc=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| population_density       = {{convert|4810|/sqmi|/km2|abbr=on}}
| os_grid_reference        = TQ473212
| coordinates              = {{coord|50.97|0.10|display=inline,title}}
| post_town                = Uckfield
| postcode_area            = TN
| postcode_district        = TN22
| dial_code                = 01825
| constituency_westminster = [[East Grinstead and Uckfield (UK Parliament constituency)|East Grinstead and Uckfield]]
| london_distance          = {{convert|38|mi}} NNW
| shire_district           = [[Wealden District|Wealden]]
| shire_county             = [[East Sussex]]
| website                  = [http://www.uckfieldtc.gov.uk/ Uckfield Town Council]
}}
[[File:Uckfield United Reformed Church.JPG|thumb|260x260px|Uckfield United Reformed Church]]
'''Uckfield''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ʌ|k|f|iː|l|d}}) is a town in the [[Wealden District|Wealden]] District of [[East Sussex]] in [[South East England]]. The town is on the [[River Uck]], one of the tributaries of the [[River Ouse, Sussex|River Ouse]], on the southern edge of the [[Weald]].

==Etymology==
"Uckfield", first recorded in writing as "Uckefeld" in 1220, is an Anglo-Saxon place name meaning "open land of a man called Ucca". It combines an Old English personal name, "Ucca" with the Old English locational term, "feld", the latter denoting open country or unencumbered ground (or, from the 10th century onwards, arable land).<ref>A.D. Mills, ''A Dictionary of British Place Names'' (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://placenames.org.uk/browse/mads/epns-deep-07-b-subparish-000081|title=The Historical Gazetteer of England's Place-names|work=placenames.org.uk|access-date=19 January 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002430/http://placenames.org.uk/browse/mads/epns-deep-07-b-subparish-000081|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of other places in the area also contain the suffix "feld", which may be an indication of land that contrasts with the surrounding woodlands of the [[Weald]], including in particular [[Ashdown Forest]] immediately to the north.

==History==
: A comprehensive historical timeline can be found at ''A vision of Britain'' website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/557|title=History of Uckfield, in Wealden and Sussex – Map and description|work=visionofbritain.org.uk|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214117/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/557|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first mention in historical documents is in the late 13th century. Uckfield developed as a stopping-off point on the pilgrimage route between [[Canterbury]], [[Chichester]] and [[Lewes]]. The settlement began to develop around the bridging point of the river, including the locally famous Pudding Cake Lane where travellers visited a [[public house]] for slices of pudding cake; and the 15th-century ''Bridge Cottage'', the oldest house still standing in Uckfield, now a museum. The town developed in the High Street and in the New Town areas (the latter to the south of the original town centre).

The Eversfield family, who later became prominent in Sussex history, giving their name to the prime waterfront street of [[St Leonards-on-Sea]], first settled in Uckfield from their Surrey beginnings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DbQDAAAAMAAJ&q=uckfield+levet&pg=PA236|title=A Compendious History of Sussex|work=google.com|last1=Lower|first1=Mark Antony|year=1870|access-date=23 January 2021|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123091355/https://books.google.com/books?id=DbQDAAAAMAAJ&q=uckfield+levet&pg=PA236|url-status=live}}</ref> The family, who later owned the mansion Denne Park in [[Horsham]], which they represented in Parliament, acquired a large fortune through marriage, real estate acquisition and iron foundering.<ref>{{cite journal |first=William Durrant |last=Cooper |author-link=William Durrant Cooper |title=Notices of Hastings and its Municipal Rights |journal=Sussex Archaeological Collections |volume=14 |year=1862 |page=111 |url=https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/adsdata/arch-285-1/dissemination/pdf/Vol_14_1862/SAC014_Cooper_and_Ross.pdf |doi=10.5284/1085251 |doi-access=free |access-date=14 June 2021 |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316212429/https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-285-1/dissemination/pdf/Vol_14_1862/SAC014_Cooper_and_Ross.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Their climb to wealth and prominence was a heady one: in 15th-century Sussex they were described as "yeomen", but within a generation they were already among the first rank of Sussex gentry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/A2A/records.aspx?cat=179-sasf&cid=-1&Gsm=2008-06-18|title=Archive of Frere and Co of London, solicitors|work=nationalarchives.gov.uk|access-date=19 September 2008|archive-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629024037/http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/A2A/records.aspx?cat=179-sasf&cid=-1&Gsm=2008-06-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Church Street===
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2023}}

Church Street was at the heart of the original settlement of Uckfield, near the medieval chapel (built c.1291), which was replaced by the present parish church in 1839. It is situated on an ancient ridgeway route from the direction of Winchester in the west, to Rye and Canterbury in the east. Local hostelries along the route are the Maiden's Head, the King's Head (now the Cinque Ports) or the Spread Eagle.{{Citation needed|date=July 2015}} Uckfield was part of the Archbishop's extensive Manor of South Malling.{{Citation needed|date=July 2015}}

Church Street contains a number of post-medieval buildings. These include the Old Grammar School (home of the former [[Uckfield School|Uckfield Grammar School]], closed in 1930), Bakers Cottage and the Malt House with Malt Cottage (all built before 1700), and Church House with Andertons, [[Copping Hall]] and Milton Cottage (all 18th century).{{Citation needed|date=July 2015}}

===Bridge Cottage===

Studies suggest that the cottage dates to around 1436.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.udps.co.uk/page14.html|title=Bridge Cottage|author=Adrian Pearce|work=udps.co.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151210/http://www.udps.co.uk/page14.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 1500 and 1900, it was inhabited by a number of local families, including local merchants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk/history/|title=History|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403002452/http://www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2014, the Heritage Lottery Fund granted one million pounds to enable the restoration of the cottage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uckfieldnews.com/bridge-cottage-restoration-will-be-truly-amazing/|title=Bridge Cottage restoration will be 'truly amazing' – Uckfield News|work=Uckfield News|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102159/http://uckfieldnews.com/bridge-cottage-restoration-will-be-truly-amazing/|url-status=live}}</ref> Work started in October 2014, with an estimated completion date of late summer 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk/heritage-centre/|title=Heritage Centre|work=bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403002448/http://www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk/heritage-centre/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Governance==
{{see also|Uckfield Town Council}}
The town council consists of 15 councillors, representing five wards: West ward (2 councillors); New Town (4); North (3); East (3); and Ridgewood (3). Mayoral elections take place every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uckfieldtc.gov.uk/default.aspx|title=Welcome to Uckfield Town Council|work=uckfieldtc.gov.uk|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224051256/http://uckfieldtc.gov.uk/default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

Uckfield was previously represented at Westminster by Charles Hendry, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Wealden<ref name="parliament.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/charles-hendry/1220|title=Rt Hon Charles Hendry|work=UK Parliament|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229040720/http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/commons/charles-hendry/1220|url-status=live}}</ref> from 2001 until he stood down at the 2015 general election.<ref name="parliament.uk"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courier.co.uk/MP-Charles-Hendry-set-retire-losing-minister-role/story-18354237-detail/story.html|title=MP Charles Hendry set to retire after losing minister role|work=Kent and Sussex Courier|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229033923/http://www.courier.co.uk/MP-Charles-Hendry-set-retire-losing-minister-role/story-18354237-detail/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 7 May 2015, [[Nus Ghani]] was elected as the MP for Wealden with a majority of 22,967.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courier.co.uk/RESULT-Conservative-Nus-Ghani-wins-Wealden-seat/story-26463037-detail/story.html|title=RESULT: Conservative Nus Ghani wins Wealden seat|work=Kent and Sussex Courier|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923210920/http://www.courier.co.uk/RESULT-Conservative-Nus-Ghani-wins-Wealden-seat/story-26463037-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017 snap general election]], Ghani was re-elected with a slightly increased majority of 23,268.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001023 |title=Wealden parliamentary constituency - Election 2017 - BBC News |access-date=23 January 2021 |archive-date=11 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411103043/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Geography==
The town of Uckfield<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uckfield.co.uk/|title=Welcome to Uckfield|work=Uckfield Community Website|access-date=12 September 2005|archive-date=1 October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001053507/http://www.uckfield.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> has grown up as a road hub, and on the crossing point of the [[River Uck]]. Traffic on the [[A26 road|A26]] between [[Royal Tunbridge Wells]] and Lewes, from the north-east to the south-west, joins with that on the [[A22 road|A22]] London – [[Eastbourne]] road around the town on its [[bypass (road)|bypass]]; whilst the long-distance cross-country [[A272 road]] (the old pilgrimage route) crosses them both north of the town.

As the town has grown, new housing estates were developed: Hempstead Fields, Harlands Farm, Rocks Park, West Park, Manor Park and Ringles Cross among them.

Parts of Uckfield, owing to its location on the river, have been subject to extensive flooding on a number of occasions, the earliest recorded being in 1852.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geography.org.uk/resources/flooding/uckfield/|title=Geographical Association – Managing Flood Risk – Uckfield Case Study|author=Ledgard Jepson|work=geography.org.uk|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=24 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424164954/http://www.geography.org.uk/resources/flooding/uckfield/|url-status=live}}</ref> More recent floods have occurred approximately every nine years: in 1962, 1974, 1989, 1994, 2000 and 2007, although those in 2007 were not as severe as previous floods.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060519120255/http://www.lewes.gov.uk/Files/env_floodreport.doc Report on the flooding of the Ouse catchment in 2000]</ref> Local residents have long been lobbying for flood defences in the town, and when the local [[Somerfield]] became a [[Co-op Food|Co-op]] (now [[Waitrose]]), its car park's walls were rebuilt as flood defences with a ramp to access the car park and a watertight pedestrian gate that can be closed when flooding is imminent. It is hoped that this new wall will act as a reservoir to contain the flood water until it recedes, allowing the water to flow back into the river Uck, which runs alongside the carpark.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7884497.stm|title=Two towns get £3m flood defences|work=BBC News|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=15 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215000839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7884497.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Due to the positioning of the river within Uckfield, any flooding is within the lowest part of the town centre and industrial estate, and so does not affect residential areas as these are all built on higher ground. The Hempstead Meadows Nature Reserve can be accessed from the car park (now owned by Waitrose, who took over from the Co-op) and shows classic meadows formed on the flood plain.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

The West Park Nature Reserve contains a wide variety of habitats; it is located on the western edge of the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biols.susx.ac.uk/westpark/startset.html|title=West Park Local Nature Reserve|access-date=2 April 2008|archive-date=3 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503181140/http://www.biols.susx.ac.uk/westpark/startset.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Geographic Location
|title     = '''Neighbouring areas'''
|Northwest = [[Fletching, East Sussex|Fletching]]
|North     = [[Maresfield]], [[Buxted]]
|Northeast = [[Crowborough, East Sussex|Crowborough]]
|West      = [[Burgess Hill]], [[Haywards Heath]]
|Centre    = Uckfield
|East      = [[Heathfield, East Sussex|Heathfield]]
|Southwest = [[Lewes]]
|South     = [[Seaford, East Sussex|Seaford]]
|Southeast = [[Hailsham]], [[Eastbourne]]
}}

===Nature Reserves===

*'''West Park'''

West Park is a [[Local Nature Reserve]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=west%20park&ID=559|title=West Park, Uckfield|series=Local Nature Reserves|publisher=Natural England|access-date=4 August 2013|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229033742/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=west%20park&ID=559|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009291%27|title=Map of West Park, Uckfield|series=Local Nature Reserves|publisher=Natural England|access-date=4 August 2013|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229052842/http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009291%27|url-status=live}}</ref> It has several access points, and is a vestige of ancient parkland, containing herb rich uncultivated wet meadow, woodland, some thriving wildlife and the remains of [[Mesolithic]] settlement.

*'''Hempstead Meadows'''

Hempstead Meadows is a Local Nature Reserve.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=hempstead&ID=858|title=Hempstead Meadows|series=Local Nature Reserves|publisher=Natural England|access-date=4 August 2013|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229034454/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=hempstead&ID=858|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009913%27|title=Map of Hempstead Meadows|series=Local Nature Reserves|publisher=Natural England|access-date=4 August 2013|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229052845/http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271009913%27|url-status=live}}</ref> The River Uck runs through the flood plain, occupied by the Hempstead Nature Reserve, and is an important area of wetland. The area has an abundance of unusual flora and fauna, which flourish on this ideal site. A new footpath, the River walk is a recent introduction to this area.

*'''Harlands Pond'''
Harlands Pond, located via Mallard Drive, home of the common [[Common toad|toad]]. Regular visitors include the [[grey heron]], in addition to its permanent residents, the [[Eurasian coot|coot]] and [[Common moorhen|moorhen]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/walks/harlandspond.htm |title=Harlands Pond – East Sussex County Council |access-date=23 January 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527132055/http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/walks/harlandspond.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

*'''Nightingale Wood'''
Almost adjacent to the pond is Nightingale Wood. This is a cool, shady haven, containing many different tree species and is a valuable site for early purple orchids.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/walks/nightingalewood.htm |title=Nightingale Wood – East Sussex County Council |access-date=23 January 2021 |archive-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527132109/http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/walks/nightingalewood.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

*'''Uckfield Millennium Green'''
This 22-acre [[Millennium Green]] is one of the largest. To the south of the town, in [[Ridgewood, East Sussex|Ridgewood]], the Green was created on a site of three disused clay pits (now a SNCI) at the turn of the Millennium.

==Development==
East Sussex County Council completed phase one of the Uckfield Town Centre Highway Improvement Scheme (UTC-HIS) in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/roads/roadschemes/uckfieldtransport/default.htm|title=Uckfield traffic improvements 2012 – East Sussex County Council|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229033101/http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/roads/roadschemes/uckfieldtransport/default.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2016, phase two of the highway improvements were started, taking approximately eight months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.eastsussex.gov.uk/2016/01/18/uckfield-work-begins-as-contractor-is-appointed/|title=Uckfield work begins as contractor is appointed - The Newsroom|website=news.eastsussex.gov.uk|date=18 January 2016 |access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927195749/https://news.eastsussex.gov.uk/2016/01/18/uckfield-work-begins-as-contractor-is-appointed/|url-status=live}}</ref> The scheme involved the creation of 10,000 m<sup>2</sup> of retail space within the town. It also limits to 1000 the number of new homes to be built between then and 2027.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wealden.gov.uk/Wealden/Residents/Planning_and_Building_Control/Planning_Policy/CoreStrategy/Planning_Core_Strategy_Uckfield.aspx|title=Core Strategy for Uckfield|work=wealden.gov.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229063354/http://www.wealden.gov.uk/Wealden/Residents/Planning_and_Building_Control/Planning_Policy/CoreStrategy/Planning_Core_Strategy_Uckfield.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2015, the Ridgewood Farm development was granted outline planning approval. The development would see 1000 new homes of which a minimum of 15 per cent would be affordable housing. The development would include a two-form primary school, a large employment space, community, health and leisure facilities and pedestrian and cycle paths, and a 73-acre Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (Sangs) nearby.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.uckfieldfm.co.uk/2015/18835/|title=Ridgewood Farm 1,000 home development gets outline planning approval.|work=uckfieldfm.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uckfieldnews.com/sangs-area-would-cover-73-acres/|title=SANGS area would cover 73 acres|work=Uckfield News|access-date=19 September 2015|archive-date=23 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623164808/http://uckfieldnews.com/sangs-area-would-cover-73-acres/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2015, [[Network Rail]] announced plans to upgrade the platforms at Uckfield railway station to accommodate trains with up to 12 carriages. The works were predicted to last from November 2015 until March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/station-information/uckfield-line-platform-extensions/|title=Uckfield line platform extensions|work=southernrailway.com|access-date=19 September 2015|archive-date=2 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002214151/http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/station-information/uckfield-line-platform-extensions/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courier.co.uk/Major-platform-extension-project-Edenbridge-Town/story-27449548-detail/story.html|title=Major platform extension project between Edenbridge Town and Uckfield to hit timetables|work=Kent and Sussex Courier}}</ref>

In March 2016, developers were granted a 75 per cent reduction on the roof tax of 146 proposed homes at Mallard Drive, Ridgewood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uckfieldnews.com/reduction-in-roof-tax-for-146-homes-at-mallard-drive-agreed/|title=Reduction in 'roof tax' for 146 homes at Mallard Drive agreed|work=Uckfield News|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=23 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623163820/http://uckfieldnews.com/reduction-in-roof-tax-for-146-homes-at-mallard-drive-agreed/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Demography==
The population of Uckfield in 1811 was 916; in 1841, it was 1,534; in 1861, it was 1,740; in 1871, it was 2,041; in 1881, it was 2,146; in 1891, it was 2,497; in 1901, it was 2,895; in 1911, it was 3,344; in 1921, it was 3,385; and in 1931, it was 3,555. In 2001, the population had reached 13,697.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=548918&c=uckfield&d=14&e=13&g=442803&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&r=1&s=1419812859040&enc=1&dsFamilyId=75|title=Local statistics|work=statistics.gov.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091529/http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=548918&c=uckfield&d=14&e=13&g=442803&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&r=1&s=1419812859040&enc=1&dsFamilyId=75|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{main|Uckfield railway station}}
Uckfield is connected to [[London Bridge station]] by [[Southern (train operating company)|Southern]] services on its [[Oxted Line]] via [[East Croydon station|East Croydon]]. Until 1969, the rail link continued to Lewes; after it was closed, Uckfield became the terminus; the station building was rebuilt in 1991 to allow the removal of a level crossing. The [[Wealden Line|Wealden Line Campaign]] hopes to reopen the closed section to Lewes.

There are 20 local bus services in the Uckfield area; [[Brighton & Hove (bus company)|Brighton and Hove]], CTLA, Renown Coaches, The Sussex Bus, Seaford & District and Stagecoach in Eastbourne all serve Uckfield. National Express coaches also operate to London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carlberry.co.uk/rfnshowl.asp?L1=UCK002|title=Local bus, coach and rail information for Uckfield|work=carlberry.co.uk|access-date=2 April 2008|archive-date=3 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503023002/http://www.carlberry.co.uk/rfnshowl.asp?L1=UCK002|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buses.co.uk/|title=Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company|work=buses.co.uk|access-date=23 January 2021|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227101938/https://www.buses.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesussexbus.com/service/31/ |title=The Sussex Bus: 31 - Haywards Heath to Hurst Green |access-date=18 March 2016 |archive-date=16 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316064623/http://www.thesussexbus.com/service/31/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Education==
[[Uckfield College]] is the secondary school in the town. There are five primary schools; Harlands Primary School, Holy Cross CE Primary School,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.holycross.e-sussex.sch.uk/|title=Holy Cross|work=holycross.e-sussex.sch.uk|access-date=2 April 2008|archive-date=2 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502180153/http://www.holycross.e-sussex.sch.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rocks Park Primary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockspark.e-sussex.sch.uk/home.htm|title=home page|work=rockspark.e-sussex.sch.uk|access-date=2 April 2008|archive-date=2 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502180200/http://www.rockspark.e-sussex.sch.uk/home.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> St Philips Catholic Primary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stphilips.e-sussex.sch.uk/|title=St Philip's Catholic Primary School|work=stphilips.e-sussex.sch.uk|access-date=2 April 2008|archive-date=8 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408234230/http://www.stphilips.e-sussex.sch.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Manor Primary School.

==Churches and chapels==
{{main|List of current places of worship in Wealden|List of former places of worship in Wealden}}
[[File:Marcus Cornish' Christ sculpture at Uckfield, East Sussex.jpg|thumb|Statue of Jesus Christ by [[Marcus Cornish]], Our Lady Immaculate and St Philip Neri church, dubbed "Jesus in Jeans" by the media]]
The [[Church of England parish church]] is dedicated to the Holy Cross. [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]] made several unannounced low-profile visits to St Michael and All Angels Church, Little Horsted, which became widely known locally when the newsagent was asked to stock a copy of the ''[[Sporting Life (British newspaper)|Sporting Life]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title= The Queen's low-key visits to Uckfield (video story) |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-17586695 |work= [[BBC]] News Online |date= 2 April 2012 |access-date= 3 April 2012 |quote= call at 11&nbsp;pm Saturday ''The Queen is coming to church tomorrow'' ... "bit late to prepare a special sermon!" |archive-date= 6 April 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120406105127/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-17586695 |url-status= live }}</ref> The [[Roman Catholic]] church is dedicated to Our Lady Immaculate and St Philip Neri. [[Uckfield Baptist Church]] was founded in 1785 by [[Secession|seceders]] from nearby [[Five Ash Down Independent Chapel]], and a new building opened at the top of the High Street in 1789 (rebuilt 1874);<ref name="Stell356">{{cite book|last=Stell|first=Christopher|title=Nonconformist Chapels and Meeting-houses in Eastern England|year=2002|publisher=[[English Heritage]]|location=Swindon|isbn=1-873592-50-7 |page=356}}</ref> it closed in 2005, but the congregation now meet at a school. Other churches and chapels include [[Methodism|Methodist]], [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] (Grange Evangelical Church in Hempstead Road), [[United Reformed Church]] and the [[King's Church Uckfield|King's Church]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2016}}

==Notable people==
[[Emma Lee French]] was born in Uckfield in 1836. [[Frank Tuohy]], prize-winning author and academic, was born in Uckfield in 1925.

Uckfield was the last place [[Richard Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan|Lord Lucan]] was seen, at Grants Hill House, the home of his friends Ian and Susan Maxwell-Scott. Lady Lucan, his wife, was born in Uckfield. The actress [[Marjorie Westbury]] lived at Maresfield near Uckfield.

[[Nicholas van Hoogstraten]], a property developer, owns property in the area. He was engaged in a long-running dispute with the [[Ramblers' Association]] about a local footpath running through his land.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/247630.stm|title=Ramblers step up pressure on landowner|work=BBC News|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=16 December 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031216062944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/247630.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Work came to a halt on [[Nicholas van Hoogstraten#Hamilton Palace (1985–present)|Hamilton Palace]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1514739/Hoogstratens-40m-folly-will-never-be-finished.html|title=Hoogstraten's £40m folly 'will never be finished'|first=David|last=Sapsted|date=3 April 2006|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=8 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508084008/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1514739/Hoogstratens-40m-folly-will-never-be-finished.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The singer [[Rag'n'Bone Man]] is from this town, winner of the [[Brit Award for Critics' Choice]] 2017, he had a number one single across Europe with the song "[[Human (Rag'n'Bone Man song)|Human]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uckfieldfm.co.uk/2016/local-news/rory-graham-rag-n-bone-man-sings-on-later-with-jools-holland/|title=Rory Graham – Rag 'N' Bone Man sings on BBC TV's 'Later with Jools Holland'|website=105 Uckfield FM|access-date=27 November 2016|archive-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128070831/http://www.uckfieldfm.co.uk/2016/local-news/rory-graham-rag-n-bone-man-sings-on-later-with-jools-holland/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The actor [[Roman Griffin Davis]] is from this town,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18090086.sussex-boy-11-features-new-film-jojo-rabbit/ |title=Sussex boy, 11, features alongside Hollywood superstars in new film |first=Harry |last=Bullmore |date=10 December 2019 |website=[[The Argus (Brighton)|The Argus]] |language=en |access-date=2020-02-18 |archive-date=18 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218045707/https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18090086.sussex-boy-11-features-new-film-jojo-rabbit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> he starred in the acclaimed film ''[[Jojo Rabbit]]'', for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

==Folklore==
There are a number of mysteries and myths associated with the town and surrounding areas. The most well known is the disappearance of [[Lord Lucan]], who was reportedly last seen at [[Grants Hill House]] in Uckfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/southeast/series7/lucan.shtml|title=BBC Inside Out – Lord Lucan|work=bbc.co.uk|access-date=23 January 2021|archive-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226191648/http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/southeast/series7/lucan.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, the hoax of the [[Piltdown Man]] occurred in the nearby village of [[Piltdown]]. There is a tale of [[Nan Tuck's Ghost]], in which an old witch is said to have lived in a wood in nearby [[Buxted]]. There is an area of the wood where nothing grows, and the ghost is said to chase people who wander along Nan Tuck's Lane at night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/county-rouser/Is-nan-still-on-the.5639410.jp|title=Is nan still on the loose?|work=sussexexpress.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yeoldesussexpages.com/ghosts/ghostly.htm|title=YOSP Home Page|work=yeoldesussexpages.com|access-date=10 May 2010|archive-date=19 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819130325/http://www.yeoldesussexpages.com/ghosts/ghostly.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Culture==

===The Picture House Cinema===

The Picture House, an independently run three-screen cinema, was established in 1916 and is one of the oldest in England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.picturehouseuckfield.com/cinema-home/|title=Picture House Uckfield|website=www.picturehouseuckfield.com|access-date=20 January 2017|archive-date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201233806/https://www.picturehouseuckfield.com/cinema-home/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ashdown Radio (formerly Uckfield FM)===

Uckfield FM is a community radio station that supported Uckfield for its four-week festival in June and at Christmas each year. In July 2009 the station was granted a licence by [[Ofcom]] to become a full-time community radio station, broadcasting live to Uckfield and the surrounding areas from 1 July 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/radio-ops/key-commitment-changes/uckfield-fm.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=5 January 2015 |archive-date=21 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221123237/http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/radio-ops/key-commitment-changes/uckfield-fm.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The station was founded by Mike Skinner, Paddy Rea, Gary King and Alan French and now has more than 80 members, who are all voluntary. In the summer of 2008, ITV's [[Trinny and Susannah|Trinny and Suzannah]] was filmed at the Bird in Eye studios when Mayor Louise Eastwood was the star of the show. In 2014, the station was granted a five-year extension to its licence, taking "Uckfield FM's service through until 2020".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.uckfieldfm.co.uk/2014/uckfield-fm-to-apply-for-a-5-year-extension-to-its-licence/|title=Uckfield FM to apply for a 5-year extension to broadcast licence|work=uckfieldfm.co.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229161435/http://news.uckfieldfm.co.uk/2014/uckfield-fm-to-apply-for-a-5-year-extension-to-its-licence/|url-status=live}}</ref>  As of 1 April 2022, the station expanded its FM coverage area to take in the neighbouring town of Crowborough, and has re-launched as Ashdown Radio.

===Uckfield Festival===

The festival was originally intended "as a one off [[Millennium]] year celebration", from this event it has sought to "advance the public in the arts and in particular, the arts of music, speech, drama and the visual arts".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uckfieldfestival.co.uk/index.php/about-the-festival|title=About the Festival – Uckfield Festival Website|work=uckfieldfestival.co.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229162211/http://www.uckfieldfestival.co.uk/index.php/about-the-festival|url-status=live}}</ref> A number of local organisations/events have grown from the festival some of these include The Art Trail, The Film Society & [[Uckfield FM]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uckfieldarttrail.co.uk/|title=Uckfield Art Trail -|work=uckfieldarttrail.co.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=18 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218173507/http://uckfieldarttrail.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uckfieldfm.co.uk/about-us/history/|title=Station History|work=uckfieldfm.co.uk|access-date=29 December 2014|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229161404/http://www.uckfieldfm.co.uk/about-us/history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Uckfield Carnival===
Uckfield hold an annual torchlight carnival on the first Saturday in September. The High Street is closed in the evening and local bonfire societies, sports teams, schools and businesses join a procession through the town.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}

===Twin towns===
Uckfield is [[sister city|twinned]] with:
* [[Quickborn]], Germany
* [[Arques-la-Bataille]], France<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://uckfieldnews.com/uckfield-twin-town-to-go-on-signs/ |title=Uckfield twin town could go on signs &#124; Uckfield News |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013211826/http://uckfieldnews.com/uckfield-twin-town-to-go-on-signs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Sport and leisure==
[[A.F.C. Uckfield Town]] are the town's main football club, formed by a merger of [[A.F.C. Uckfield]] and [[Uckfield Town F.C.|Uckfield Town]] in 2014.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Uckfield RFC is the town's Rugby Football Club, with a men's squad, women's squad and various junior levels from U5s to U16s.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

==References in literature==
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2021}}

* The manic playwright character Roland Maule, in the play ''[[Present Laughter]]'' (1942) by [[Noël Coward]], is from Uckfield.
* Uckfield was mentioned in the last chapter of [[John le Carré]]'s ''[[The Honourable Schoolboy]]'' (1977).
* Uckfield was featured in [[Julian Fellowes]]'s novel ''[[Snobs (novel)|Snobs]]'' (2004), which includes fictional characters the [[Marquess]] and [[Marchioness]] of Uckfield.
* The cover of the [[Ladybird Books]] children's book ''Climate Change'' (2017), co-authored by [[Charles, Prince of Wales]], depicts heavy flooding in Uckfield.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline|Uckfield}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Uckfield}}

{{East Sussex1}}
{{Wealden}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Uckfield| ]]
[[Category:Civil parishes in East Sussex]]
[[Category:Local Nature Reserves in East Sussex]]
[[Category:Towns in East Sussex]]
[[Category:Wealden District]]