The entrance to a new housing estate is now home to a sculpture intended to give a nod to the area’s history.

The Sail is an abstract design reminiscent of the canvas on an old sailing ship that might have been used by smugglers bringing contraband to the Kent coast.

The work was commissioned from sculptor Simon Probyn by developer Dandara to welcome visitors to its new Russetts estate off Highgate Hill, in Hawkhurst.

Mr Probyn sculpted the work from two lengths of rolled pressed steel.

He said: “It’s a simple enough design - it only took me a day. But it has a large base and is pretty heavy - about half a ton.”

Hawkhurst was once notorious for its connection with smuggling and the Hawkhurst Gang was a violent crew of cut-throats who distributed smuggled goods such as tea, lace, silks and brandy across the county.

They had their headquarters in the Oak and Ivy Inn in the village.

Mr Probyn, 59, lives in Worcestershire. The former building surveyor changed career paths to become a full-time sculptor 11 years ago.

He said: “It was a four-hour drive to Hawkhurst and a four-hour drive back, so I didn’t get much chance to look around the village.

“However, the wild flowers that Dandara has planted around the entrance to The Russetts really looked lovely.”

Amy Wells, senior sales manager at Dandara South East, said: “We are proud to embrace the history of Hawkhurst on our site and invite all those keen to visit the landmark to come along.”

Dandara is currently selling homes off-plan at The Russetts, with a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes available. Prices start at £370,000.

The firm was originally refused planning permission for the 71-home development by Tunbridge Wells council in May 2021, but the decision was overturned by government inspector Jonathan Manning on appeal in January 2022.

The Hawkhurst Gang came to a sticky end in April 1747, when they were challenged by their neighbours in Goudhurst, who were fed up with their lawlessness and intimidation.

A former soldier, William Sturt, organised the Goudhurst villagers into defensive positions.

When the Hawhurst Gang arrived a pitched battle ensued which saw several of the smugglers’ key leaders killed.

The gang survived for another two years but their power was broken and they were gradually arrested by the authorities one by one.

The battle was recorded in a contemperaneous issue of the Gentlemen’s Magazine.