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.
- see more about our objectives and background;
- get the latest news on current issues;
- find out about the Decimus Burton Museum and Study Centre Project;
- download our latest Newsletter;
- check out our latest Publication (use the Publications tab to buy on-line);
- send us your comments on any of our activities or on current issues in the town.
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'.
