Speldhurst 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.
Services
Speldhurst 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.
Views
Speldhurst 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.
Name Derivation
Another village derived from the Anglo Saxon probably Speld Herst meaning the wood
where torches are made, or alternatively Spild Herst meaning a treacherous or dangerous
wood.
