The History of Three Leafy Kent Towns
Along with the city of Canterbury, the county of Kent has three historic leafy towns, all very close to each other. Let’s meet them!
Royal Tunbridge Wells (a spa town with leafy parks)
This is one of only three towns in England with the prefix ‘Royal’. Can you guess the other two? They are Royal Leamington Spa (Warwickshire) and Royal Wootton Bassett (Wiltshire).
Like the city of Bath, this is a spa town with natural spring, where people would come to ‘take the waters’ for their health, back in the day.
Today the town is known mostly for The Pantiles, a 17th century parade of independent shops. The goods are likely too pricey for most of us, but the beautiful architecture is free to admire.
This town began back in 1606, when Dudley Lord North discovered a mineral spring, with iron-rich water. It became ‘royal’ after Queens Anne and Victoria became frequent visitors.
Tonbridge (sits quietly on River Medway)
Not to be confused with Royal Tunbridge Wells, this is a completely different town, home to an 11th century castle that sits on the River Medway. It was originally called Tunbridge, but changed its name, as people kept getting the two mixed up.
This is a commuter gateway to London, with one of the busiest train stations in Kent. England. And unlike most town that have statues of ancient historical figures, here the one outside the church is of local girl Kelly Holmes, who became one of England’s greatest Olympic gold winners, a few years back.
Sevenoaks (named after ancient oak trees)
Sevenoaks is indeed named after a group of ancient oak trees (which came from an ancient chapel in Knole Park).
Did you know that oak trees (despite their beauty) are toxic to horses and livestock, due to acorns (also keep dogs away from conkers from horse chestnut trees).
This town again is a main hub for commuters to London. An affluent place, it has weekly farmers’ markets and many top independent schools (one former student was Princess Diana).
