Hawkhurst

Hawkhurst in Kent Village Guide

About Hawkhurst in Kent

Hawkhurst is a village and civil parish in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, and is home to some 4,500 people. Hawkhurst itself is virtually two villages—one, the older of the two, consisting mainly of cottages clustered around a large triangular green known as the Moor, and the other, farther north on the main road, called Highgate. Each part has a different character. Highgate stands on a crossroads and is where the shops and hotels lie.

The village was involved in the Wealden iron industry until the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th Century. William Penn, founder of the state of Pennsylvania, owned ironworks at Hawkhurst in the 17th century.

The history of Hawkhurst goes back over 1,000 years. The oldest known settlement was the Saxon manor of Congehurst, which was burnt by the Danes in 893 AD. There is still a lane of this name to the east of the village.

The name Hawkhurst is derived from Old English heafoc hyrst, meaning a wooded hill frequented by hawks – ‘Hawk Wood’. Hurst (Hyrst) in a place name refers to a wood or wooded area – there are several in West Kent and East Sussex. The 11th Century Domesday Monacorum refers to it as Hawkashyrst, belonging to Battle Abbey. In 1254, the name was recorded as Hauekehurst; in 1278, it is often shown as Haukhurst; by 1610, it had changed to Hawkherst, which then evolved into the current spelling.

Further information about the history of the village, its changing industries over the years and its famous inhabitants can be found here.

You may also want to explore the surrounding villages that form our hinterland.

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The Homestead, Hawkhurst 1960s

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Attractions and Activities

Hemsted Park

Hemsted Park is a leading performing arts venue in the heart of Kent, based on the stunning 250-acre site of the world-renowned Benenden School. Hemsted Park’s performance spaces principally comprise the stunning new Centenary Hall, which has established one of … more

Pashley Manor Gardens

‘One of the finest gardens in England’ award winning Pashley Manor Gardens offer a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds, with interest and colour throughout the year. There are exceptional … more

Merriments Gardens

A stunning four acre show garden complete with ponds, wild area, bird hide and bog garden. Imaginative use of colour and texture make these gardens a firm favourite both locally and further afield.A great day out for garden lovers, Merriments … more

Accommodation

The Royal Oak

Set in Hawkhurst, 29 km from Leeds Castle, The Royal Oak offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

Battenhurst Meadow B&B

Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Battenhurst Meadow Bed and Breakfast is a contemporary house with far reaching views across the High Weald of Sussex, with grounds of just under an acre and ample parking available for guests. … more

Oasthouse Loft

A wonderfully warm and cosy, romantic hideaway in an exquisite country location with 360-degree panoramic views. Tastefully furnished in a comfortable, subtle yet contemporary style the Oasthouse Loft offers spacious, quality rural accommodation. Enjoy nestling on ancient farmland pastures, in … more

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