Brenchley is a village in the civil parish of Brenchley and Matfield, in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. All Saints Church is located in the village, and is a Grade I listed building.

History

The name is historically derived from Branca's Leigh. The village is located 8 mi east of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and 3 mi south of Paddock Wood, and includes the neighbouring village of Matfield. Brenchley & Matfield CoE primary school is located in Brenchley. The village earns some historical fame by being one of the villages that was closely involved in post medieval iron making. The site of the furnace lies within the parish of Horsmonden now. A Market formerly held in the churchyard at Brenchley was granted in 1230 to Hamo de Crevecoeur, to be held on his own land, and the day moved from Sunday to Wednesday. In 1233 this was readjusted to Saturday. By 1296 it belonged to Gilbert de Clare, who in 1312 claimed that his ancestors had held it 'from time out of mind'.

Notable people

Sources