Copyright Kent Past 2010
Kent Past
The History of Kent
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History of Lamberhurst
Lamberhurst comes from the Old English ‘lamb’ meaning a ‘lamb’ with ‘hyrst’ as a ‘wooded hill’; therefore, a 'wooded hill where lambs graze'.
Originally, the Kent and Sussex border ran through Lamberhurst, until, in 1890,
the villagers voted to be fully in Kent. The residents chose Kent as hops regularly
fetched higher prices in that county, and being a primarily hop growing community,
it made economic sense. All of Lamberhurst became a part of Kent in 1894.
Lamberhurst parish church is a Grade: I listed building, dedicated to Saint Mary
the Blessed Virgin. The Normans built the church in the late 12th century, although
extended and rebuilt it in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. In 1779, Pack
and Chapman cast and hung a ring of six bells. In 1798, Edward Hasted described St
Mary’s church as having a ‘spire steeple, stands on a hill at a small distance from
the court-
The building of Scotney castle commenced in 1378, in response to the French threat following various coastal attacks in 1377. Although, more a fortified house than a strict castle, there does not appear to have been any permission obtained for its construction. However, they possibly dispensed with formalities, in consideration of the urgency of the situation. In 1580, they rebuilt the south wing in the Tudor style. Following the completion of a new manor house in 1843, the Bailiff moved into the old estate. In 1905, the owners dismantled the eastern range only retaining the most interesting features.