Fordcombe isn’t big. It’s not flashy. But it matters, especially if you live nearby, have family here, or want to understand what makes small West Kent villages tick.
This article gives you straight facts. Not fluff. We’ll cover how the village grew, what it’s like to live there now, and what support you can expect when things get difficult, like when arranging a funeral.
If you’re looking for context, clarity, or comfort around Fordcombe, this is it.
ou won’t find a train station here. No big shops or tourist noise either.
Fordcombe is a working village. Always has been.
It’s about five miles west of Royal Tunbridge Wells (over at this website) and sits in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s small, but the people make it feel larger. There’s community here, not just buildings.
Historically, this was a place built on water and paper. In the 1800s, Chafford Mill shifted from grinding grain to producing paper, thanks to the quality of local spring water. Not just any paper, this was used for Bank of England notes and even cartridge paper for the Tower of London. At its peak, the mill supported 70 workers. That mattered for a village this size [1].
It still matters. Because that spirit, practical, self-sufficient, unshowy, is baked into village life.
Fordcombe didn’t always have a church.
In the early 1800s, villagers walked three miles to Penshurst for Sunday service. That might not sound far, but it was uphill, through fields, in every season. For elderly residents and young families, it was a barrier. So, they changed things.
In 1847, local fundraising, with major help from Henry Hardinge, 1st Viscount Hardinge, made it possible to build St. Peter’s Church right in the village [2] [3] [4]. Built from locally quarried sandstone, it gave the community a proper place to gather, worship, and mark life’s milestones.
This wasn’t just about religion. It was about independence. Identity. And being able to care for your own, without needing to leave the village.
Over time, St. Peter’s Church became more than a place of worship. It’s where generations have been christened, married, and buried. And it’s still in use today. The churchyard even holds members of the Hardinge family, their tombs a quiet reminder of Fordcombe’s 19th-century turning point.
For funeral services, it remains available. Families working with funeral directors like Welham Jones in Tunbridge Wells can hold services here if they choose. It’s close, meaningful, and still part of everyday village life.
Fordcombe might look quiet, one pub, one primary school, a church. But the people? Involved. Active. Loud in the best way.
You’ve got the Chafford Arms (Spring Hill, Chafford Arms, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0SA), the local pub that still feels like a second home to many [5] [6]. Proper food, local beer, and a garden with views over the Weald. It’s not trendy. It’s just honest, and that’s what people like about it.
In 2021, the village opened a brand new Village Hall (The Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY) [7]. Doesn’t sound like a big deal? It is. It’s used for everything, preschool, coffee mornings, evening events, and community clubs. It replaced an old prefab building and became a new heart for the village [8].
And then there are the events:
These aren’t just fun extras. In a small place like Fordcombe, they’re how people stay connected.
The community here isn’t trying to “grow fast” or “put itself on the map.” It’s busy living well, together, and looking after its own.
Fordcombe doesn’t have its own train station. But getting out, or getting back in, isn’t a problem.
Driving from Fordcombe to Royal Tunbridge Wells takes about 10 to 15 minutes. That’s it.
Start on the B2188, head east through Langton Green, and continue onto the A264 straight into town. Roads are well signed. You won’t get lost. And there’s no winding maze of lanes to deal with [12].
Parking in Tunbridge Wells? Easy. Especially if you’re heading to Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials on Crescent Road. There’s a big multi-storey car park round the corner, Crescent Road Car Park (TN1 2LU), with over 1,000 spaces, including Blue Badge bays source.
If you don’t drive, there’s a direct bus, and it’s decent.
Metrobus 231 runs between Fordcombe and Tunbridge Wells Railway Station. Stops include ‘Fordcombe Green’ and ‘Chafford Lane’ [13].
No station in the village itself. But the go-to option is Tunbridge Wells Station (TBW).
It’s on the same route as the 231 bus. From there, trains run directly to London Bridge, Charing Cross, and other big stops in the South East [14].
So if you’re commuting, going to a hospital appointment, or heading to arrange funeral details, it’s all within reach.
Fordcombe isn’t busy. And that’s a good thing, especially when you need somewhere calm.
Locals know it well. Families use it for casual meals. Some choose it for small wakes after a funeral. It’s warm, simple, and familiar, and that’s what matters [5].
There’s space inside, a garden outside, and staff who know how to handle things gently.
If you want to step out of the village but stay close, a few local cafés offer quiet spaces.
Each place offers something a bit different. But they’re all within a 10–15 minute drive.
Sometimes you just need space.
Fordcombe sits in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are public footpaths all around, through fields, woods, and farmland [15]. You don’t have to go far to find stillness.
Want something bigger?
You’ve got options:
All nearby. All open to the public. All worth visiting when you need to be outside but don’t want crowds.
There aren’t many schools in Fordcombe. But the ones here matter, because they’re part of village life, not separate from it.
This is a small school with deep roots. It’s right in the centre of the village and works closely with St. Peter’s Church [16]. Pupils take part in the Village Fete, Christmas Fair, and Remembrance events. They even sing at the Luncheon Club and local care homes.
It’s not just about education. It’s about connection. Children grow up knowing they’re part of something.
The school joined the Tenax Schools Trust [17] in 2018 and can be found at The Green, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY [18]. That brought extra support while keeping its focus on community values and small-school care.
This is based in the new Village Hall (Fordcombe Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY) [20]. It’s surrounded by fields and regularly takes kids on nature walks [19]. Learning here isn’t just indoors, it’s about fresh air, playing together, and feeling safe.
For families with young children, having both a preschool and a primary school right in the village removes the need for long school runs or tricky decisions.
It also means children grow up together, and that matters in a place like Fordcombe.
Planning a funeral isn’t easy. And in a village like Fordcombe, where life moves slower and people know each other, it’s important to get the details right, without having to travel far or deal with added stress.
That’s where Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials in Royal Tunbridge Wells comes in.
The branch is located at 39 Crescent Road, TN1 2LZ. It’s an easy drive, no complicated turns or hidden roads.
From Fordcombe (TN3 0RT), start by heading southeast on Fordcombe Road (B2188). Stay on this road for about 1 mile.
At the junction, bear slightly left onto Ashurst Road (A264) and continue following the A264 for roughly 2.5 miles. This will take you through Langton Green and toward Tunbridge Wells.
When you reach the Bishops Down Roundabout, take the first exit to stay on the A264, now called Bishops Down. Continue for another 0.4 miles.
Next, turn right onto Church Road (A264) and stay on it. After approximately 0.6 miles, Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials will be on your left-hand side at 39 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ.
There’s convenient parking nearby at the Crescent Road multi-storey car park (TN1 2LU), just a short walk from the funeral home.
The Tunbridge Wells location isn’t in a noisy part of town. It’s purpose-built for privacy, calm, and comfort. Some people prefer that, a place just outside the village where they can talk openly and not feel like everyone’s watching.
You can come in to make arrangements, or, if it’s easier, staff can meet you at your home in Fordcombe.
Welham Jones operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. When something happens, even in the middle of the night, someone will pick up the phone. That’s not a service add-on. It’s the standard.
And yes, if you want a funeral held at St. Peter’s Church in Fordcombe, they’ll handle everything. Liaise with clergy. Sort the paperwork. Coordinate with the crematorium or cemetery. The team knows the area well and understands how Fordcombe works.
More about arranging a funeral here: welhamjones.co.uk/funeral-services/funeral-packages-prices
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Welham Jones offers full funeral support to Fordcombe families, not just on the day, but before and after.
Here’s what’s available:
Different families need different things. That’s why there are several packages, from basic unattended cremations to full services with personal touches. Prices are upfront.
Planning ahead can take the pressure off your family later. Fix today’s costs and leave clear instructions for the future.
Traditional wood, eco-friendly options, or modern designs, it depends on what feels right. There’s a wide range.
From the moment your loved one comes into their care, dignity and respect come first. Every step is handled professionally and quietly.
If someone dies abroad, or needs to be brought home from the UK to another country, the team manages the paperwork, logistics, and communication.
Personal mementos, jewellery, memory boxes, prints, can bring comfort over time. These are optional, but many families choose to create something lasting.
Headstones, plaques, and help with after-service gatherings. Support doesn’t stop when the funeral ends.
If you want to publish a notice in the paper or online, Welham Jones can write and place it for you.
This isn’t about options for the sake of it. It’s about giving families in Fordcombe the tools to do things their way, calmly, clearly, and with no added stress.
Sometimes, you just want a straight answer. Here are a few common questions families in Fordcombe often ask:
The closest full-service, family-run funeral director is Welham Jones in Tunbridge Wells. It’s a 10–15 minute drive with reliable parking. There’s also a funeral director in Penshurst, but it doesn’t offer the same range of services or facilities.
Yes. Welham Jones can arrange services at St. Peter’s or any other venue. They’ll speak to the clergy, manage the timings, and take care of the paperwork, all you need to do is let them know your preference.
A: Absolutely. If you’d rather not travel, the team at Welham Jones can meet you at your home. They’ll walk you through everything quietly, without rushing.
A: Welham Jones can connect you with bereavement counsellors, local support groups, and resources throughout West Kent. The care doesn’t end when the service does.
Fordcombe isn’t big. But it’s strong. The village has always looked after its own, from the paper mill days to today’s preschool community events.
When families here face a loss, they don’t need to look far for help.
Welham Jones is close by, ready to step in quietly, professionally, and without pressure. Whether it’s planning a service, organising a repatriation, or simply sitting down to talk, they’re nearby. And they know Fordcombe.
No drama. Just real support, when it’s needed most.
[1] “Village History,” https://fordcombevillage.co.uk/history/
[2] “St Peter, Fordcombe,” https://kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Fordcombe
[3] “St Peter’s Church,” https://fordcombevillage.co.uk/st-peters-church/
[4] St Peter’s Church, Fordcombe (Tunbridge Wells TN3 0SH), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/DeSoUbidegc9ZWAj6
[5] “Welcome to the Chafford Arms,” http://www.chaffordarms.com/
[6] Chafford Arms (Spring Hill, Chafford Arms, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0SA), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ePayDrTDCoUdJQ8Y7
[7] Fordcombe Village Hall (The Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JpuWHktLLvpdXB5h7
[8] “Fordcombe Community,” https://fordcombevillage.co.uk/our-community/
[9] “Village Events,” https://fordcombevillage.co.uk/events/
[10] “Fordcombe Village Fete,” https://www.facebook.com/events/fordcombe-village-green/fordcombe-village-fete/2163994353975073/
[11] “Fordcombe Village Fete,” https://www.instagram.com/fordcombe_villagefete/
[12] “How to get from Fordcombe to Royal Tunbridge Wells by bus, taxi or foot,” https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Fordcombe/Royal-Tunbridge-Wells
[13] “231 Edenbridge – Tunbridge Wells,” https://www.metrobus.co.uk/services/MB/231
[14] “Tunbridge Wells (TBW),” https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/tunbridge-wells/
[15] “Best routes • Fordcombe,” https://osmaps.com/place/united-kingdom/england/kent/fordcombe
[16] “Fordcombe Church of England Primary School,” https://www.fordcombe.kent.sch.uk/about-fordcombe/
[17] Tenax Schools Trust, https://www.tenaxschoolstrust.co.uk/news/fordcombe-siams-a-small-welcoming-school-where-people-flourish/
[18] Fordcombe Church of England Primary School (The Green, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/yp8MfZ4serQWdymH6
[19] Fordcombe Village Preschool website https://www.fordcombepreschool.org/
[20] Fordcombe Village Preschool (Fordcombe Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0RY), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/qriZecBzVdkEtM5W9
The location is easy. Deciding the flower arrangements, slightly trickier. But, when planning a funeral, we hear many family members say that writing the eulogy is the hardest part. Where do I start? What are people expecting me to say? How can I possibly epitomise an entire life in just one speech? With over thirty years of experience helping families across West Kent and South East London arrange funerals, we know how daunting this task can be. That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide, with tips to help you write and deliver a eulogy that truly honours your loved one.
