blank

Matfield in Kent

Google map showing area surrounding Matfield
(Largest Village Green in Kent)
Location: 51.148170,0.366846
General Details
Matfield in Kent 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.
Views
Matfield in Kent 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.
Services
Matfield in Kent 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.
Map
Matfield is shown as the red symbol on the map.

Nearby Villages

(click on symbol to see the village page)
Village= Town= Recorded in Domesday=
Bells Yew Green (The ruins of Bayham Abbey)4.40 miles
Brenchley (A beautiful Kent village)1.30 miles
Eridge Green (The home of the Neville Family)7.14 miles
Frant (King Johns hunting lodge)5.54 miles
Goudhurst (Smugglers, Iron and Forests)4.66 miles
Horsmonden (The largest Wealden Iron Works)2.83 miles
Kilndown (Charcoal for the Furnace)4.72 miles
Lamberhurst (Scotney Castle and Gardens)3.51 miles
Langton Green (Modern village and Old Quarry)6.78 miles
Marden (Broadcloth and Agriculture)
5.68 miles
Paddock Wood (Railway brings prosperity)2.43 miles
Pembury (The ghost of Hawkwell)1.66 miles
Rusthall (The Toad Rock)6.06 miles
Speldhurst (Nobleman captured at Agincourt)6.42 miles
Tudeley and Capel (Iron Industry and Hop Pickers)2.54 miles
Copyright Villagenet 1998-2024
 
Local Interest
Just click an image
Talk in Code fabulous new Album
Battle and District Historical Society
Winchelsea Museum
World War 2 Vehicle database
Battle Museum of Local History
(Hard to find but worth the Visit)
The Bald Explorer for local documentaries
Bexhill Museum
Hastings Rock the place to listen to
For all things mosaic, commissions workshops etc please contact Hannah
Wealden Iron Research Group
Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group
Sigi