Above photo, circa 1929, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo circa 1970.

Above photo 1987.

Above sign, June 1993.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above photo 2019.

Above map 1913, also showing the "Victoria Arms" at Horseshoe Green.

From their web site:- http://www.kentishhorsemarkbeech.co.uk

History

Markbeech is situated on the northern edge of the High Weald and is the highest point between the Chart Hills and Ashdown Forest, affording wonderful views over the forest from the pub and garden. East Grinstead is six miles to the west and Edenbridge three miles to the north-west. The surrounding countryside is mainly woodland with agricultural land to the east and west.

There has been a small settlement at Markbeech since at least the Iron Age, defined in the British Isles as the 5th century BC until the Roman conquest in AD43 and until the 5th century AD in non-Romanised parts. There is evidence of a fort dating from this time two miles away at Dry Hill. Iron workings around Markbeech Hill date from Roman times and for many centuries were the most important industry in this part of the Kent and Sussex Weald.

The heart of the village of Markbeech is the crossroads where the Church of the Holy Trinity, the "Kentish Horse" public house and the buildings that were formerly the school are located. The setting of this little group has changed little since they were built in the
mid-19th century, giving much the same feeling of tranquillity, open space and old fashioned charm that would have been familiar to residents 150 years ago.

The immediate population of Markbeech is in the region of 100, which rises to 300 including outlying properties.

The local railway station is Cowden for those visiting us by train. In reality it is situated mid-way between the village of Cowden and Markbeech and is a short 10 minute walk away.

Sussex Advertiser 24 October 1866.

THE KENTISH HORSE.

The case of "Burfoot v. The Tonbridge Magistrates," came off at the West Kent Quarter Sessions, held at Maidstone, on Thursday, before the Rt. Hon. Gathorne Hardy, M. P. chairman. Mr. Poland, with Mr. Sharp, appeared for the appellant, and Mr. Barrow for the respondents.

This was an appeal against the decision of the magistrates in refusing a license to the "Kentish Horse" public house, at Mark Beech, Cowden. It was alleged on the part of the appellant that the house had been in his family for 200 years. Seven years ago it was turned into a beerhouse, and on 9th Sept. an application was made to the Tonbridge magistrates for a spirit license, which was refused. The growing requirements of the neighbourhood it was said called for the granting of the license; there was now a large number of people employed upon the railway, and the opening of the station would naturally increase the number of residents. The Court refused to grant the license.

From the Courier 31 August 1923.

LICENSING.

Mr. F. S. Harries applied on behalf of Mr. William Christopher Walker for the transfer of himself of the Kentish Horse, Mark Beech. The former licensee was his sister, Elizabeth Walker, and Mr. Walker was the sole surviving relative, and had taken out letters of administration of the property, which included the licensed house. Mr. Walker did not propose to live there, but would employ the same manager as his late sister.

The transfer was granted.