Horsham, United Kingdom

Horsham lies 50 metres (160 ft) above sea level. It is in the centre of the Weald in the Low Weald, at the western edge of the High Weald, with the Surrey Hills of the North Downs to the north and the Sussex Downs of the South Downs National Park to the south. The River Arun rising from ghylls in the St Leonard's Forest area, to the east of Horsham, cuts through the south of the town then makes its way through Broadbridge Heath. The Arun is joined by a number of streams flowing down from the north, which rises around Rusper.

The name Carfax is likely of Norman origin – a corruption of 'Quatre Voies' (four ways) or 'Carrefour', a place where four roads meet. The Carfax was formerly known as "Scarfoulkes", the derivation of which is uncertain. Two other places in England share the name: the Carfax in Oxford and the Carfax in Winchester.

Horsham is a market town, formerly trading in cattle, sheep and corn. Its prosperity was built on industries that included brewing, brickmaking, iron-smelting and printing. Although some of these survive, with the exception of iron smelting, they are on a small scale and no longer employ large numbers of workers. In 2014, the important industries were financial services, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Horsham is a commuter town serving London, Gatwick Airport and the south-east coast. The town still has Saturday and Thursday markets on Carfax.

Horsham's town centre has a reputation for small business and also provides multiple retail chain stores. Supermarkets serving the town include branches of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Lidl and Aldi. In 2015, a new £8 million Waitrose and John Lewis at Home joint facility was opened after the closure of the smaller Waitrose that was formerly located in Piries Place.

The College of Richard Collyer is the sixth form college serving Horsham. Founded in 1532, it is known more commonly as Collyer's and is situated on Hurst Road.

As of July 2020, West Sussex County Council announced proposals to alter The Forest School from a single sex boys' school to a co-educational school from September 2021 entry.

Horsham is home to the following well known independent schools:

Christ's Hospital, one of the oldest schools in the country, established in 1552 by Edward VI. An independent co-educational 11–18 boarding and day school

Farlington School, an independent day and boarding school for children aged 4–18 at Strood Green about three miles from Horsham travelling towards Rudgwick. Originally founded as a girls' school, from 2020, Farlington will be accepting boys as well as girls into certain year groups.