This
easy cache is just off the footpath that goes around part of
Furnace Pond and will involve a small amount of clambering over
fallen trees avoiding holly and brambles. Watch out for inquisitive
anglers.
Furnace
Pond Horsmonden
A
furnace pond is used as a water supply for the operation of a
furnace or blast furnace.
Horsmonden
village was once a thriving part of the Wealden ironworking
industry, and its Furnace Pond is one of the largest in
Kent.
John
Broune (Browne) who died in 1641 owned the forge and foundry here,
and he and his 200 workers produced guns for the Army and
Navy.
During
the English Civil War, he provided weapons for both sides in the
conflict, some of which were used at the battle of Yalding Town
Bridge in 1643.
In
1625 500 guns were made here for British ships after the outbreak
of the Spanish War. In 1638 King Charles I visited the foundry to
watch a cannon being cast. It was a 42 inch long, bronze
four-pounder, and is now preserved in the Tower of
London.
The
foundry closed in 1685 when the manufacture of iron moved to the
midlands with their coal fired plants.
Cache
is a small lock and lock box initially containing log pencil and
sharpener, Hello Kitty TB, EU Smillax Geocoin, Indian Candle and
other swaps.