Sutton Valence

Sutton Valence is a village 5 miles SE of Maidstone, Kent, England. It contains Sutton Valence Castle, of which only the ruins of the 12th century keep remain, under the ownership of English Heritage, open any reasonable time. Sutton Valence School, a leading independent school is located in the north-west part of the village but also owns Art and Design Technology departments in the centre of the village. There is also a primary school for the young children of the village. The village can be said to be split into two. The principal, and oldest part, occupies the brow of the hill, overlooking the Weald of Kent. The other half is located at the bottom of the hill. This area is known as Sutton Harbour and the houses here are mainly rented accommodation owned by the local council. As can easily be imagined, there are somewhat different perceptions of the village depending upon whether you live at the top or the bottom of the hill.