The arden was an area of untamed woodland where a lord could hunt and gather timber, food and other resources. The name was used for several royal forests that were subject to forest law, such as Sutton Park in the Anglo-Saxon era and Feckenham Forest in the early Norman era.
Today, Arden is home to a unique and diverse community. Many of the homes have Arts and Crafts elements, which were developed in a reaction against the industrial revolution by people like William Morris and Ebenezer Howard. The village’s close-knit character is further emphasized by the annual fair and other events.
Whether you are interested in history, art, architecture or the environment, there is always something new to discover and experience in our town. The Arden Historical Society has a wonderful collection of historical photos and documents in its library, and the Arden Craft Shop Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves craftsmanship, design or art.
The ACRA Neighborhood Directory is a spiral-bound book that lists all residents of the three Ardens (Arden, Ardentown and Ardencroft). The booklet contains important phone numbers, as well as information about government, recycling, local merchants, services and supporters. It is distributed free to all residents.