Local to Hawkhurst
The name Hawkhurst is derived from Old English heafoc hyrst, meaning a wooded hill frequented by hawks – 'Hawk Wood'. Hurst (Hyrst) in a place name refers to a wood or wooded area – there are several in West Kent and East Sussex.
Hawkhurst is famous (or infamous) for the group of smugglers known as the Hawkhurst Gang. The Gang operated a smuggling ring across the south east of England from 1735-1749. The Oak and Ivy Inn in Hawkhurst was the headquarters of the gang, who were only defeated after a pitched battle with the local militia.
Welcome to Hawkhurst
Hawkhurst gang Smugglers Trail
Seacox house, the site of Arthur Gray's house
Welcome to Hawkhurst
Above are pictures of Seacox house, Arthur Gray's house was built on this site, and James Stanford's house. i had the pleasure of going into James Stanford's house and took a lot of pictures, and sent the pictures to my wife. A few house later when i went to view the pictures most of them had disappeared off my phone, my wife sent them back over to me but again a few weeks later they disappeared. The Hawkhurst gang smugglers trail are spread about everywhere that had dealing with the gang and you can go on a tour to find most of them.
