Goudhurst

Goudhurst is situated on a hill, overlooking the Weald of Kent, giving views of the orchards and hopfields. Hop gardens for beer production, have surrounded Goudhurst since the 16th century and there are many oast-houses in which hops were dried and have now been converted to private houses.

The village achieved prosperity in the Middle Ages, due to the introduction of the weaving industry. A row of weavers' cottages can be seen by the church. St. Mary's has a 17th century tower, although generally, it dates from the early 13th century. It contains life-size painted wooden figures of Sir Alexander Culpeper and his wife. The Culpepers were among the most powerful landowners in Kent. Just south of the village at Bedgebury, they had a foundry which cast many of the cannons that successfully destroyed the Spanish Armada. Those who enjoy cowboys and the history of the Wild West, will recognise the name Culpeper. A descendant, John Culpeper, rebelled against the governors of the State of Carolina in the 17th century.

William Rootes, a pioneer of the British Motor Industry, began trading in the High Street in the early 1890s, repairing Penny Farthing bicycles.

Goudhurst is fortunate to have several attractive pubs. The Vine and the village store on the other side of the road, both in gleaming white timber cladding, frame the beginning of the village. The Star and Eagle, stands at the top of a flight of steps at the high end of the village.

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