Goudhurst is a village in the High Weald of Kent situated at the top of a prominent hill. The name is derived from Goud Hurst (an opening in a forest) or from Guo Hyrst (Battle Hill) dating from the early Saxon period. In 1747 the Battle of Goudhurst ended the reign of Thomas Kingsmill and the Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers. The village was a major centre for hop growing and weaving until the mid 20th Century.