residents was 13.9% retail, 9.5% manufacturing, 10.3% construction, 14.3% real estate, 10.3% health and social work, 7.2% education, 4.7% transport and communications, 5.2% public administration, 4.9% hotels and restaurants, 5.7% finance, 5.8% agriculture and 8.2% other. Compared with national figures, the ward had a relatively high proportion of workers in agriculture and construction. There were a relatively low proportion in manufacturing, transport and communications. Of the ward's residents aged 16–74, 19.6% had a higher education qualification or the equivalent, compared with 19.9% nationwide. An important cottage industry has developed to the west, where numerous vineyards and orchards produce varietal wines, ciders and juices. Biddenden is also the trading name of Biddenden's Cider. Biddenden's Cider is made by Biddenden Vineyards Ltd. whose premises are close to the clustered village centre. Transport Biddenden was served for nearly five decades by Biddenden railway station, on the Kent and East Sussex Railway. The station opened on 15 May 1905 and closed on 4 January 1954. Bygone Buses was based in Biddenden during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was sold to Maidstone & District Motor Services. Notable people Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst (1100–34), conjoined twins traditionally said to have lived in Biddenden. Thomas Bickley (1518–96), was rector of Biddenden prior to 1585. Elias Sydall (1672–1733), was rector of Biddenden 1702–05. Edward Nares (1762–1841), theologian, was rector of Biddenden 1798–1827. Robert Kahn (1865–1951), composer, lived in Biddenden from 1938–51. John R. Winder (1821–1910), Second in command of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1901–1910, was born in Biddenden. William Guy (1859–1950), pioneer of modern dentistry, was born in Biddenden. King Rama VII of Siam (1893–1941) lived in Biddenden after his abdication in 1935. Sir John Kotelawala (1895-1980), Prime Minister of Ceylon, lived in Biddenden for several years. Notes and references Notes References External links Official Site for Biddenden Parish Council Villages in Kent Villages in the Borough of Ashford Civil parishes in Ashford, Kent