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Goudhurst, Kent
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
Goudhurst, in Kent, probably began as a clearing in the great forest of Anderida that covered the Weald of Kent and Sussex long ago. The name is obscure; 'hurst' certainly means 'wood' but there is some uncertainty over Goud. It may just be a simple corruption of Good. The earliest record of a name (Guithhyrste) dates from 1095.
The town stands high on a ridge, offering wonderful views over the Weald. Even better are the views from the top of the tower of St Mary's church, where, it is said, you can see over 40 other church towers, and even spy the skyscrapers of London.
The church tower has seen its share of historical drama. In 1747 it was used by local militia to fight off an attack by the infamous Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers. The defense was successful, the ringleaders of the smugglers were captured or killed, and several of them were imprisoned in the church vestry.
Within St Mary's are several superb historical monuments. Chief among these is the wonderful painted wooden effigy of Sir Alexander Culpepper and his wife, dated to 1537. Culpepper owned iron foundries at Bedgebury, which cast many of the canon later used by English ships in the battle against the Spanish Armada. The painted effigies show the couple in beautifully detailed period dress.
Nearby is a beautifully carved wall memorial to later members of the Culpepper clan, including Sir Anthony Culpepper and his wife Ann, with likenesses of their sixteen children kneeling in a pious row. There are also a series of medieval brasses, the oldest dating back to 1424 and commemorating John Bedgebury, who probably fought at the Battle of Agincourt.
Outside the church art a number of beautiful period buildings, including the Star and Eagle pub, which was also the scene of fighting during the Hawkhurst Gang episode. At the bottom of the High Street is a large village pond, with ducks disporting themselves, and period cottages ringing it round. Across the road from the pond is a small museum built partly into an old oast house.
Goudhurst is a delightful historic spot, though it can be busy with through traffic. The church in particular is well worth a visit.
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Goudhurst,
Kent,
England
About Goudhurst
Attraction Type: Town
Location: Goudhurst is 10 miles east of Tunbridge Wells and 14 miles south of Maidstone.
Location
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Goudhurst Photos
OS TQ722 377
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Photos of Goudhurst
Star and Eagle pub |
Oast House |
Half-timbered cottage |
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Nearest Accommodation to Goudhurst
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 The Lodge -
11.7
miles from Goudhurst
Dallington, East Sussex
Sleeps: 3
Stay from: £300 |
 The Stable -
18.7
miles from Goudhurst
Hailsham, East Sussex
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £190 |
 Seaview Cottage -
19.4
miles from Goudhurst
Normans Bay, East Sussex
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £320 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Cranbrook
Tourist Information Centre
Vestry Hall
Stone Street
Cranbrook
Kent
England
TN17 3ED
Tel: 01580 712538
Fax: 01580 712538
Seasonal opening
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