A village is defined as a human settlement of a small size which is typically situated in a rural location and has a population of between 500 and and 2,500 people.
They are bigger then hamlets, but smaller then towns and are historically classified as a village when a church was built in the setting.
There are 6,116 villages in the UK. Whitwell in the East Midlands registered a population of 41 in the 2021 census, making it the smallest village in the country.
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In Sussex, there are 375 villages, but which is the largest by population?
Using 2021 Census data – here are the ten largest Sussex villages ranked by population.
5. Barnham - 10,143
With a population of 10,143, Barnham has an elaborate carved rectangular font of Sussex marble by the parish church. The white wooden tower was once regarded as an important aid to shipping in the English Channel. Photo: DJ B
6. Broadbridge Heath - 6,354
With a population of 6,354, the population of Broadbridge Heath has increased considerably in the first two decades of the twenty-first century because of large scale housing developments. Photo: Alan Fife
7. Yapton - 6,339
With a population of 6,339, Yapton was the home of Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew and Sculptor Ginger Gilmour. Photo: Daniel N-c
8. Lower Willingdon - 6,131
With a population of 6,131, Willingdon is part of the built-up area which is Eastbourne, and lies on the main A22 road. Willingdon was the base for the local village of the same name in George Orwell's Animal Farm. Photo: Google Maps