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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Compare rooms and suites by Independent in Horsmonden with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Front of property

ORIDA Maidstone Hotel

Maidstone

United Kingdom

Deborah

AED 448 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Dec - 13 Dec

Superior Quadruple Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Royal Wells Hotel

Royal Tunbridge Wells

United Kingdom

Morgan

Terrace/patio

The Spa Hotel

Royal Tunbridge Wells

United Kingdom

Clare

AED 579 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Dec - 3 Dec

Royal Suite, 1 Queen Bed | Front of property

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone

Aylesford

United Kingdom

Rachel

Property grounds

King Charles Hotel

Gillingham

United Kingdom

Ruth

AED 204 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Lake

The Inn on the Lake Hotel

Gravesend

United Kingdom

Sophie

AED 243 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Deluxe Queen Room | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

St George Hotel Rochester - Chatham

Chatham

United Kingdom

Amanda

AED 265 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Front of property

The Black Horse Inn

Maidstone

United Kingdom

Catherine

AED 535 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Dec - 3 Dec

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Top Horsmonden Hotel Reviews

ORIDA Maidstone Hotel

ORIDA Maidstone Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Very good size Clean Nice they put birthday balloons and banner on door for my friend. "

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent from check in until we left.. Seemless check in, Leah checked us in and was so polite and knowledgable about the hotel and surrounding. Room was perfect, clean, cleaning staff were friendly. Air con but also a fan heater was in the room if needed. Liam who works in the bar is as asset and, in my opinion, should be promoted! Ii swimming pool and spa facilities excellent. ive stayed there before and really enjoyed it even more so now. Will be booking to stay again in a few weeks. A little gem. Highly recommend. "

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