Horsmonden

Travel 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 RM391 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
RM391
RM469 total
24 Feb - 25 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! (1,246 reviews)
Update rooms & pool area. On the website let people know that are booking that the swimming has kids swimming lessons . Turn down the plate warmer in the restaurant the plates are so hot you could cook your breakfast off it

Reviewed on 20 Feb 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 RM213 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
RM213
RM256 total
6 Mar - 7 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
As always, the rooms were clean and amenities were great. I’ll always recommend.

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns
The Inn on the Lake Hotel

The Inn on the Lake Hotel

3 out of 5
A2 Shorne Gravesend England
The price is RM219 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM219
RM263 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gravesend. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Lakeside room was lovely looking out to the lake and cute little ducks quacking in the morning! We had afternoon tea and the host was very attentive.

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

The Inn on the Lake Hotel
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.
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
Extraordinary Huts

Extraordinary Huts

3 out of 5
2 Nicole's Cottages Rye England
Stay at this cabin in Rye. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions St. Thomas the Martyr and Camber Castle are located nearby.
Extraordinary Huts
St Andrews Apartments

St Andrews Apartments

4 out of 5
34/35 St Andrews Park Maidstone England
Stay at this apartment in Maidstone. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Gallagher Stadium and Tyrewhitt-Drake ...
St Andrews Apartments
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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