Furnace Pond: Horsmonden's 17th century iron foundry The north-east end of Furnace Pond. The head of water from this 16 acre lake once powered the giant hammer of John Browne's forge, the flames of which could be "seen about the country at 10 miles distance". With the abundance of iron ore in the local clay and of wood to fuel the blast furnace, Horsmonden in 1613 had 200 men employed in its iron foundry under John Browne. Such was Browne's skill in casting and proving guns that he was later granted a monopoly as "Gunfounder for the King's Service". In 1638 Charles I himself was here to watch a gun being cast. Browne also supplied guns to the Dutch, at that time the greatest sea power. Then, on the arrival of Cromwell and the Commonwealth, he was quick to switch his allegiance and was casting guns for Parliament until his death in 1651. When this former King's Gunfounder was buried, an impressive alabaster and black marble monument was erected to him in Horsmonden parish church 917323. But it stands there no longer. A 19th century Rector, an ardent Royalist, could not abide to see a memorial in his church to a man who had turned his coat for Cromwell, and removed it! See other snippets from the surprising history of Horsmonden at: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=2_ZstVBZSfIC&lpg=PA1&pg=PA99#v=onepage&q=&f=true There is little now to show for this once great industry apart from such local names as Flightshot Farm TQ6840, Furnace Pond, and the old Gun Inn, and several chalybeate springs. See also Gallery at: https://www.geograph.org.uk/gallery/the_history_of_horsmonden_8738

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Cottages in Horsmonden

Hoath House

Edenbridge

SAR 12,219 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Dec - 4 Dec

Green Cottages

Sittingbourne

Matthew

SAR 1,428 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Cosy 18th-Century Cottage in Crowborough with Log Burner, Near Ashdown Forest

Crowborough

Laura

SAR 756 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Nov - 24 Nov

The Garden Room - a holiday let that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

Rye

Anonymous traveler

SAR 913 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Nov - 24 Nov

1 bedroom accommodation in Cowbeech, near Hailsham

Cowbeech, near Hailsham

"Cedar Lodge was exactly what we were looking for and we felt at home as soon as we arrived. The accommodation was clean, cosy and very well equipped and the hosts Caroline and Neil were very welcoming. The comments in the visitors book showed that many people have visited here several times and feel itâ€™s the best holiday home they have stayed in. The location is very quiet and the view from the deck is beautiful. I wouldnâ€™t hesitate to stay here again if we are visiting the area."

Carolyn Armstrong

SAR 746 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

Ernest - a holiday let by Bloom Stays that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

Tenterden

Anonymous traveler

SAR 998 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Nov - 26 Nov

1 bedroom accommodation in Herstmonceux, Hailsham

Herstmonceux, Hailsham

Natalie

SAR 1,028 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

Mafeking by inspirestays-com - a cottage that sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms

Benenden

Hartmut K.

SAR 3,583 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

An unusual two-storey apartment with beams and an open fire.

Rye

"We stayed here for a weekend, to attend a wedding nearby - two adults and two children (aged 5 & 9). The configuration of the apartment was perfect: there are two double beds on the top floor, all kind of in the same room but separated by a wall (it makes sense once you see it), which was perfect for us. Really, really cute place oozing with character, and a very friendly vibe (again, that makes sense once you see it). Well provisioned kitchen (our catering needs didn't extend beyond making...

Nick J.

SAR 945 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

The Cottage at Harple Farm

Detling, near Maidstone

karen n.

SAR 1,099 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Nov - 28 Nov

Battel Hall

Maidstone

SAR 17,787 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Dec - 5 Dec

Maplehurst Barn Stables

Staplehurst, near Maidstone

Adrian Woodrough

SAR 898 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Dec - 5 Dec

2 bedroom accommodation in Cowbeech, near Hailsham

Cowbeech, near Hailsham

"A fantastic place to stay. The location was perfect, country walks from the doorstep and the coast 9 miles away. A small shop a few miles away and a pub within a mile. Woodpeckers is clean and very comfortable. The kitchen was very well equipped with everything you would need. The enclosed garden was a bonus. Sitting in the conservatory looking across the countryside was calm and peaceful. Overall a great place. We would definitely return and recommend."

Nicholas Lewin

SAR 1,180 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

Henley Bridge Holiday Cottage

Ashburnham, near Battle

Chris M.

SAR 1,403 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Nov - 28 Nov

2 bedroom accommodation in Wormshill

Wormshill

Antoine T.

SAR 2,213 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

Deer Shepherds Hut - a holiday let that sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom

Hartfield

SAR 669 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

5 bedroom accommodation in Ashford

Ashford

SAR 11,422 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

1 bedroom accommodation in Herstmonceux, near Hailsham

Herstmonceux, near Hailsham

Rhiannon L

SAR 1,097 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

2 bedroom accommodation in Herstmonceux, near Hailsham

Herstmonceux, near Hailsham

Sean R.

SAR 1,381 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

1 bedroom accommodation in Etchingham

Etchingham

"We loved the cottage. The garden was great for the dogs and the cottage was pretty. We were looking for somewhere remote and away from the rush and pressure of life and this was perfect. There are lots of lovely places to go or just relax in the garden or summerhouse. The bed was super comfortable and the bathroom really beautiful. It was easy to cook for meals in the cottage and there a shops a short drive away. The owners were lovely - really kind and going the extra mile."

Sue Goldsmith

SAR 1,555 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

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Top Horsmonden Hotel Reviews

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone

10/10 Excellent

"The Reception staff were very welcoming. The room was clean, quiet and comfortable. I slept really well. I woke up early and set off before breakfast, as I had a long drive to Yorkshire. "