Horsmonden Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
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
Footpath junction in Sprivers Garden land The High Weald Landscape Trail (long distance path) follows the National Trust House drive, then it turns right towards Brenchley Road. A footpath also heads straight on towards Horsmonden Road, near Burrs Hill.
Kissing Gate in Sprivers Garden Woodland This gate is leads from the National Trust land towards Marle Place Road. The High Weald Landscape Trail heads right along the Garden's drive towards Hazel Street from Horsmonden.
Oasthanger, Lamberhurst Road, Horsmonden, Kent
ORIDA Maidstone Hotel

ORIDA Maidstone Hotel

3 out of 5
Bearsted Rd Maidstone England
The price is 3.569.008 ₫ per night from 14 Feb to 15 Feb
3.569.008 ₫
4.282.809 ₫ total
14 Feb - 15 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Maidstone. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,230 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

ORIDA Maidstone Hotel
Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns

Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns

3 out of 5
Talbot Lane Gravesend England
The price is 1.396.820 ₫ per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
1.396.820 ₫
1.676.183 ₫ total
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gravesend. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Good facilities

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns
Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Brands Hatch, J3 Sevenoaks England
The price is 1.509.282 ₫ per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
1.509.282 ₫
1.811.138 ₫ total
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Sevenoaks. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Was all good.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
House - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking

House - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking

3.5 out of 5
Ashford England
Stay at this residence in Ashford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ashford Golf Club and Cineworld Ashford are located ...
House - Sleeps 4 - Garden - Parking
The Lower Bell

The Lower Bell

3 out of 5
201 Old Chatham Road Aylesford England
Stay at this apartment in Aylesford. Enjoy free parking, a business centre and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oare Marshes Nature Reserve and Kent Life ...
7.8/10 Good! (150 reviews)
Pleasant staff. Warm, clean room

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

The Lower Bell
Green Cottages

Green Cottages

3 out of 5
5-6 St Patricks Row Sittingbourne England
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Sittingbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Kent Science Park and Sittingbourne ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
perfect place
Lovely property in a small village location. great pub over the road and great food. Perfect for my work trip. the cottage has everything you could possibly want. Thank You

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2024

Green Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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