Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells (often called simply Tunbridge Wells) is a Wealden town in west Kent in England, just north of the border with East Sussex. It has a population of approximately 45,000 (2001 census) and is the administrative centre of the Tunbridge Wells Borough.

History

The town was founded around the Chalybeate Spring - the high iron content of the waters were believed to have medicinal qualities - discovered in 1606 by Lord North, a courtier to James I, and developed as a spa town. It was named after the nearby town of Tonbridge, which was at the time spelt "Tunbridge". The similar names and alternative spellings have been a source of confusion ever since, especially to uninformed people travelling on the London-Hastings railway line. The spring can still be visited in the Pantiles area of the town, surrounded by Regency architecture.

Related Topics:
Chalybeate - Lord North - James I - Spa town - Tonbridge - London - Hastings - Railway - Spring - Pantiles - Regency architecture

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The prefix dates to 1909, when King Edward VII officially recognised the popularity of the town amongst royalty and aristocracy by bestowing the town with its official "Royal" title. To this day, Royal Tunbridge Wells is one of only two towns in England to be granted this, the other being Royal Leamington Spa.

Related Topics:
King Edward VII - Royal Leamington Spa

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~