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

Search Lodges 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

Next weekend

16 Jan - 18 Jan

In two weeks

23 Jan - 25 Jan

In one month

In two months

Our top choices for Horsmonden lodges

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets

Looking for a romantic escape in the countryside, with outdoor bathtub !

Ashford

AED 932 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jan - 10 Jan

Interior

Tranquil Countryside Lodge Retreat Near Rye & Coast

Hastings

AED 772 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jan - 10 Jan

View all properties

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

Sign up, it's free

Top Horsmonden Hotel Reviews

East Sussex National

East Sussex National

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent food, facilities and very comfortable rooms. Would highly recommend a stay even if you don’t play golf. Very good value for money. "

Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club

10/10 Excellent

"Room clean staff excellent - courteous efficient and friendly, Bucks Fizz welcome on Christmas morning and small stocking of chocolates on door - nice touches, selection of teas in room Chamomile and Earl Grey - would have included English Breakfast, buffet breakfast: excellent choice, all hot items hot would keep eye on bacon drying out under lights - dish cover?"

fabf105c-3db4-413b-9a2b-e37a776ae3bf1ce969d6-3ef8-4fd3-ade6-fb6dd4ee0ef6