Copyright 2011. KMJ Property. All rights reserved

History of Rusthall

Rusthall is situated approximately 2 miles to the west of Tunbridge wells and was most probably named due to the rusty quality of the local water. Rusthall appears to date back to around the 8th Century at least, therefore much older than Tunbridge Wells, itself, which was established in the 17th Century.

There are various areas of Rusthall, which we know today that have interesting history.

Toad Rock although mentioned in a guide as early as 1810 it wasn’t named until around 1823. Some 19th Century observers believed it to be ‘the remains of an ancient sphinx’ and H G Wells referred to this notion in his novel of 1933 (Christina Alberta’s Father). It is, however believed that the rocks were eroded to their present form by wind during the last Ice Age and the area was designated a Geological Site of Special Interest in 1992.  It is now a pleasant place to walk or picnic on a summer’s day.

Denny Bottom

Although buildings existed here only the Hobblies (built in 1569) survived from that period. However the current layout of housing today preserves some of the early character. Small scale quarrying too place here and continued much later than in other local areas, with a quarry in Apsley Street in use up until 1914. The Toad Rock Retreat was originally established around 1880 and after being destroyed by fire was rebuilt in 1998 in a similar style.

Lower Green

Like Denny Bottom was an early settlement with houses clustered around a detached area of the common. Originally The Green had a pond and spring but the pond was filled in in 1899 and the The Green reduced in size to allow for road widening.

Marl Pits

Marlpit Pond and the Small Marlpit Pond are both relics of excavations for Marl (various sorts of clay) and by the 1870’s had developed into ponds. The larger pond was restored in 1993 with further work undertaken in 1996. Due to its size the smaller pond tends to be a seasonal pond. Both ponds are habitats for amphibians.

Rusthall Today

Today Rusthall is a thriving village with its own Parish Council and equally thriving High Street. Some of Rusthall’s businesses and amenities include;-

Rusthall Library, Rusthall Medical Centre, St Pauls CEP School,  2 preschools, Dental Practice, Hairdressers, Beauty Salon, The Venture Hardware store and Newsagents, 2 General stores, Post Office, Oliver Greens Greengrocers, Paws for Food Petshop, A* Cafe, Manuels Baker & Deli, St Pauls Church etc etc.

Transport

Rusthall is serviced by the frequent 281 bus service by Arriva which travels into Tunbridge Wells and beyond. Tunbridge Wells also offers a mainline station with direct services to London and Hastings.

With its amenities and public transport, it makes Rusthall a popular choice when buying a new home.

Some VIDEO Of Property For Sale In Rusthall