Hurworth became one of six thriving settlements, known for its fine cheeses. Other residents included the Ronalds family – five brothers and sisters of Dr Edmund Ronalds. However, many buildings were damaged in the First Taranaki War of 1860. The town was abandoned and residents were forced to move to nearby New Plymouth. Hurworth Cottage was the only building standing in the area after the war in 1861, but its floor had been set afire.