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;
- see what the Southborough Society has to say about our opposition to the plans to develop the Friendly Societies' Hall;
- 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 events for 2026:
Friday 5th June Outing to the Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers
This amazing flower festival in the Cathedral only happens every two years, so hopefully members will take the opportunity to experience it this year!
The coach leaves from outside the Assembly Hall at 9am, so please start boarding at 8.45am and we return at 5pm. We are booked on the 12.30-2pm visitor slot.
In addition to the Festival of Flowers, there is an on site market in the Cathedral's 600-year old Cloisters and cafe facilities on site for lunch.
The cost is £55.00 per person to include coach travel and admission to the Festival.
To book please click on the link below:
Chichester Cathedral
or pay direct into our bank account:
CAF Bank 40-52-40, RTWCS 00017200, and reference with your name and initial - Chichester Cathedral
or send a cheque payable to RTWCS to: John de Lucy, 28 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TB.
If paying by cheque please make sure you include your phone contact details in case of query as there will not be any tickets issued for this event.
Thursday 11th June 7.30pm at Tunbridge Wells Bridge Club, 40 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DL
'Never Look at an Ugly Thing Twice': the life & work of C.F.A.Voysey - an illustrated talk by Alastair Dick-Cleland, whom many members will remember from last summer when he introduced us to the wonderful work and properties of the Landmark Trust. Charles Francis Annesley Voysey was one of the leading Arts & Crafts architects, whose practice flourished between 1890 and 1910. He was one of the most successful and sought-after architects of his day, and was awarded the Gold Medal by RIBA
in 1940. As well as designing houses in his own distinctive style, he produced numerous designs for wallpapers, fabrics, rugs, furniture and much else besides. Alastair will give us a finely
illustrated account of the life and work of this fascinating man.
