Royal Tunbridge Wells
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Set amid the glorious scenery of the Kentish Weald, Royal Tunbridge wells received the accolade Royal after it was frequented by members of royalty and the town grew into a popular spa during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Reputedly, in 1606 a courtier to King James, Lord North was staying in the vicinity when he drank water from a chalybeate spring; later on feeling better, he attributed this to the water on his return to London he told his friends.
By the time Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles visited, the town was already a spa retreat.
The dandy Beau Nash was instrumental in putting the place firmly on the map as the destination for the fashionable.
The area around the spring was later paved with red tiles some of which were later incorporated into the surrounding buildings this resulted in the street being named the Pantiles. The Pantiles is a lovely 18th century shopping terrace complete with colonnades and wrought iron balconies all shaded by lime trees.
Besides the Pantiles, there are plenty of other shops to explore particularly antique, fine art and bookshops. Famous people to have visited this charming town include Thackeray, Samuel Johnson, and the artist Sir Joshua Reynolds.
In 1909, King Edward VII recognizing the town’s popularity among the aristocracy and royalty bestowed the title Royal onto this pleasant town. This title has only been bestowed on one other town Royal Leamington Spa.
Activities in Royal Tunbridge Wells
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