Matfield lies on the B between Pembury and Paddock Wood , about 6 miles to the north east of Royal Tunbridge Wells off the A21. The village name is derived from the Anglo Saxon feld meaning large clearing and from the farm run by Matta hence Mattafeld, which is quite similar to the modern Matfield . The village is made up of a mixture of old and modern houses and sports one of the largest village greens in the county of Kent. Around the green can be seen several tile hung Kentish cottages, and an impressive Georgian Mansion. After the Norman Conquest in 1066 , the land was given to Richard FitzGilbert, the cousin of William the Conqueror . The white weatherboard pub - The Wheelwrights Arms was built in 1602, and was originally a farm building. The building was converted into an ale house around 1750. During the 1728 the house known as Matfield House , the gorgeous mansion on Matfield green was built. It was built by Thomas Bold Marchant a farmer from Horsmonden , and his wife Mary who was a wealthy heiress from Marden . The First World War poet Siegfried Sassoon was born in Matfield . During the Second World War, the village gained fame as the scene of a triple murder, perpetrated at Crittenden cottage just outside the village. In 1997 the Parish hit international headlines when Badzel Park Farm and Rural Centre became home to the "Tamworth Two". The Two pigs that made a well publicised bid for freedom on their way to the slaughterhouse. After finally being captured, they were reprieved by public demand, and shipped to Matfield where they are now two of Badzel Park's most famous residents.

Services

Matfield has a number of small village shops providing the usual village items. The nearest trains run from Paddock Wood about 3 miles to the North, these link Ashford to London with a service aprox every 30 minutes. The nearest shopping centre is Royal Tunbridge Wells about 6 miles to the south west.

Views

Matfield has at its centre the beautiful village green and duck pond. This green is surrounded by many beautiful old houses. The village green hosts the cricket team, and the sound of willow on leather on a hot summer afternoon, together with the surroundings makes a relaxing scene.

Businesses Servicing the Area

Service Web Business Name Location Phone Accountant Alison Stevens & Co (Robertsbridge) (01580)-880237 Chair Doctor Holland of Rye (Rye) (01797)-222648 Nursery Greencap Nursery (Wadhurst) (01892)-782685 Record Producer Jelly Recording Studios (Whatlington) (01580)-882032

Local Amenities

Amenity Web Name Email Phone We currently have no information on the amenities in Matfield If you know of organisations in the village who would like to be included please click here

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Page Last Updated: 07:59 - 12/01/2007