Cowden, Kent

Cowden is a village and civil parish nestled in the Sevenoaks District of Kent, England, positioned on the northern slopes of the Weald near the borders of East Sussex and Surrey. It lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a picturesque setting with its old High Street lined by Grade II listed cottages and village houses. The village is home to The Fountain, a traditional inn adding to its quaint charm.

The history of Cowden is rich, with Roman roots evident in the remains of the London to Lewes Way. The village has connections to the iron industry, notably through Crippenden Manor, built around 1607, and the blast furnace at Kitford Mead dating back to 1573. This furnace keeper’s house is notable for its unique exterior combing decoration, the only one remaining in southern England.

At the heart of Cowden stands the 13th-century parish church of St Mary Magdalene, distinguished by its slender wooden shingled spire, which was damaged during World War II and later restored. The church is Grade I listed and features a stained glass window commemorating the village’s preservation during the war years, depicting figures representing local farmers, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

Notable residents have included Clemence Dane, who wrote part of her novel in Cowden, and Roger Hargreaves, creator of the Mr Men and Little Miss series, who lived locally and is buried in the parish churchyard.