In addition to the main village, Iden Green, East End, Dingleden and Standen Street settlements are included in the parish.

The Wealden ironmasters continued what the Romans had done; and the other major industry, cloth-making, also helped to make the village prosperous.

[10] In 1860 Gathorne Hardy, later to become the 1st Earl of Cranbrook (1814–1906), a prominent politician, rebuilt the house in Hemsted Park, one of the Tudor buildings; in 1912 Lord Rothermere made further alterations.

Today the hospital is an independent organisation, for most medical and surgical specialities and mainly treats members of The Benenden Healthcare Society as well as some NHS and private patients.

The school's alumnae include Princess Anne, Lettice Curtis, Sue Ryder and Rachel Weisz.