Speldhurst - (Nobleman captured at Agincourt)

General Details

Speldhurst in Kent is an old village possibly originating in Saxon times as most villages with hurst in them are derived from the Saxon for wood.

The first record of the church is in 1239 in the church record of the rectors with the current tower being constructed in the 1300's. The George and Dragon public house originally built in 1212 is said to have used a ships timber from of one of Henry VIII ships as a main roof supporting beam.

The local legend is that Sir Richard Waller from nearby Groombridge captured a French nobleman reputed to be Charles Duke of Orleans or his brother Jean Duke of Angontime at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. It was said he was held at Groombridge the home of the Wallers for 20 years, during which time the ransom paid by the French court provided enough money for Sir Richard to rebuild the church. The coat of arms of the Orleans Family were put on a stone over the south porch. The ransom must have been quite substantial as Richard's home at Groombridge Place was also said to have been rebuilt from the same funds.

In 1791, the church was hit by a bolt of lightning, and with the exception of the lower part of the church tower was completely destroyed. A temporary church was constructed in 1805, but in 1870 it was removed and the present church was constructed.

The village expanded in the 20th century, to provide housing for the expanding town of Tunbridge Wells, and now commuters to London.

Views

Speldhurst in Kent has a very pretty centre, especially arriving in the village from Fordcombe and Langton Green . The George and Dragon is a very attractive ancient public house.

Going down the Penshurst road you leave the village and are immediately in the countryside, which is quite pretty.

Services

Speldhurst in Kent is a small village with a few local services.

The nearest major shopping centre is in Royal Tunbridge Wells about 4 miles south east. Tunbridge Wells is also a main transport centre with regular bus services starting within the town, and train services to Hastings and London.

Map

Speldhurst is shown as the red symbol on the map.

Nearby Villages
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