Bredhurst

Bredhurst is a village in Kent, England that forms part of the Borough of Maidstone. Its population numbered 330 in 1990.

The village is centred on The Bell Inn, which dates from the Tudor period, and a group of old cottages, opposite which is the school, founded in 1866.

Bredhurst manor was dates from the time of King Edward III. It was bought by John of Gaunt in 1379 before King Richard II gave it to Simon de Burley in 1384. Burley lost the manor when he was accused of high treason in 1390.

By 1551, Sir Thomas Cheney was owner of the manor, followed by the Kemsley family later in the 16th century. Isabel Kemsley stipulated that her son John should hold 'a drinking' in the village on All Saints' Day and this tradition continued until the 19th century.

The 19th century owners of the manor were the Romilly family, terminating when it was sold by the widow of the fourth Baron Romilly, William Guy Gospard Romilly (who died in 1983).

St Peter's church at Bredhurst is situated in woodland separate to the village. Typical of Downland flint churches, it combines its 13th century origins with 19th century additions including a small bellcote with two bells.