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

Find all hotels by Travelodge UK in Horsmonden

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

Next weekend

In two weeks

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

Travelodge Maidstone Central

Maidstone

Anonymous traveler

Chatham Maritime Travelodge

Chatham

Travelodge Medway M2

Gillingham

Travelodge Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells

"A once beautiful building that has been taken over by Travel Lodge. The room that I occupied was large and spacious and in fact far better than I was expecting. I found this hotel to be reasonable value for money. The breakfast was unexciting and I'm not sure I would bother with it if I stayed here again. Travel Lodge have done little to enhance the former beauty of the building. Room furniture is basic and unsympathetic but the bed was quite comfortable. I would consider using this hotel again...

Mollusc48

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Horsmonden Hotel Reviews

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

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. "

Find all hotels by Travelodge UK in Horsmonden

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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

Travelodge Maidstone Central

Chatham Maritime Travelodge

Travelodge Medway M2

Travelodge Tunbridge Wells

Top Horsmonden Hotel Reviews

ORIDA Maidstone Hotel

East Sussex National

Village Hotel Maidstone

The Inn on the Lake Hotel

Spring River Ebbsfleet by Marston's Inns

The Spa Hotel

Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel & Spa

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club

Ashford International Hotel & Spa

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Horsmonden Hotels by Brand

Hotels near popular Tonbridge Attractions

More Accommodation Types in Horsmonden

Hotels in Popular Destinations

Explore more hotels