The arden is a distinct geographic and cultural area, in antiquity and into the Early Modern Period, that included parts of Warwickshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire. It was the setting for many medieval hill forts and Roman forts, as well as Anglo-Saxon settlements at Henley-in-Arden, Coleshill, and Ulverlei. In the medieval era, the Knights Templar held a preceptory at Temple Balsall in the middle of the arden; they were later suppressed during the Reformation. A medieval era wayside cross known as Coughton Cross still stands at the south entrance to the arden, and was a place where travellers prayed for safe passage through The Forest of Arden.
The 111th annual Arden Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1. The Fair is the centerpiece of the ariden estate, comprised of 450-acres of protected land in Arden, Ardencroft, and Ardentown. The ariden estate is one of the oldest in the nation, and its architecture and landscape are exemplary of the style of Gilded Age Estates that were popular throughout the United States during this period.
Arden is unique among New York City’s residential neighborhoods for its preservation and the way it has embraced single tax, with communally owned land (woods and greens) and land leased for dwellings being taxed in equal measure. The Village is also noted for its arts, crafts, music, and theater. It is a walker’s and biker’s paradise, with world-class transportation options. Residents enjoy the benefits of a Village-owned swimming pool, which is open from late June through Labor Day. This is a great way to meet your neighbors, and pool membership is very affordable compared to other local swim clubs. Residents are advised to become familiar with town ordinances, which are regularly considered by the Town Council and are published in the Red Book.