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;
- learn about Tunbridge Wells' greatest architect Decimus Burton;
- find out about the Decimus Burton Museum and Study Centre Project;
- see what the Daily Mail has to say about the decision to sell 9 & 10 Crescent Road Daily Mail 11th November 2023;
- 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.
Updated booklet on the commemorative Plaques of Royal Tunbridge Wells now available to order
What does a pioneering female aviator have in common with the
inventor of Subbuteo, a founder of the RSPB, and a chap who spent
a fortnight one November in a tent in only his underclothes?
Signs on buildings to commemorate notable residents were first
erected in London in the 1860s and developed over time into the
now familiar blue plaques. In Royal Tunbridge Wells there are now
51 plaques in the Tunbridge Wells colour of claret. They were
funded by the council and by 'Royal Tunbridge Wells Together' but
researched and erected by the Civic Society.
This booklet marks their location and explains whom they
commemorate. They include not just 'the great and the good', but
those who have made a mark in other ways - reformers, inventors,
pioneers (male and female), even an anarchist and a courtesan. The
plaques are all visible from the public highway, though some are
inevitably less visible than others.
In A5 format it costs just £5.95. You can get your copy by clicking on the link above to our Publications page and ordering on-line.
Our next event for 2026:
Thursday 12th March 7.30pm at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Capital to Coast' - an illustrated talk by returning speaker David Clarke. King Harold's epic journey to the Battle of Hastings is
encapsulated in a 100-mile walk from Westminster Abbey to Battle Abbey: David Clarke traces the route along the Roman road network that was still being used in
1066, on Watling Street to Rochester and then south through Maidstone, Staplehurst and Bodiam. It is a clear route through the daunting Forest of the Andreasweald, past castles and battle sites with rivers, streams and valleys to cross, forests to forge, hills to climb, and Roman roads, green lanes and ancient footpaths to walk.
This engaging account of King Harold's march will review why it all happened and the reasons for the Battle of Hastings.
