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Welcome to the website of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society. The Society is an independent organisation which campaigns for the conservation and improvement of this attractive town with its important heritage and rich cultural life.


New book on Trinity now available to order


This book has been produced to coincide with the opening of Trinity tower to the public. Today, the historical significance of this splendid building and the role it plays in the artistic and cultural life of the town are widely recognised. Yet less than sixty years ago it was threatened with demolition. The book explains the campaign fought by the local Civic Society, and others, to save the building and find a new and worthwhile role that would safeguard its future.

Brian Lippard has lived or worked in Tunbridge Wells since 1971. He is a member and past chairman of the RTW Civic Society, and is currently chairman of its Local History Group. He has had access to the archives of the Civic Society, Trinity, TWBC and the Courier newspaper. He also wishes to acknowledge the unfailing support he has received from Dr. Philip Whitbourn OBE. Without his help this book would be a shadow of what it is now.

In A5 portrait format it costs just £4.95. You can get your copy by clicking on the link above to our Publications page and ordering on-line.


Our next events for 2023:

Friday 8th September to Sunday 17th September

Heritage Open Days in and around Tunbridge Wells



Sunday 10th September 2.45pm at the Spa Valley Railway, Eridge Station, Groombridge Lane, Eridge Green, East Sussex, TN3 9LE

Cream Tea - travel on a Spa Valley Railway steam train up from Eridge Station, and enjoy a traditional cream tea with scones. Have a look around the engine shed at Tunbridge Wells West before returning to Eridge.
Please note this event has now sold out.


Thursday 14th September 7.30pm at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT

Local History Presentation
- in 1887 (Victoria's Golden Jubilee), local photographer, Henry Peach Robinson, put together a collection of 150 local 'worthies' in 5 large volumes. Janet Sturgis will present the photographs and some surprising stories about the 'worthies'.


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Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society - Registered Charity No. 276545