
The Pantiles
Royal Tunbridge Wells | by Chris Parker
History of The Royal Tunbridge Wells Pantiles
The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells is THE must-see of the borough.
In Georgian times a day's stage-coach ride could get you to Tunbridge Wells, as it was known in its embryonic era.
For this reason, The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells was a major holiday destination for the gentry and royalty and today remains a charming place to be entertained, to shop, eat, drink and stroll.
The chance discovery in 1606 of a Spring with distinctive reddish tinted mineral deposits led to the development of the Pantiles and later on, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The practice of drinking from natural springs for health reasons dates back to Roman times.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, the practice of taking these natural waters for health purposes became more popular among the nobility.
The royal and noble parties would leave the Court and travel to the established Spa towns of Bath and Buxton pursuing curative well-being.
Away from Court they took advantage of the opportunities provided to establish relationships with individuals from different social backgrounds to exchange ideas and opinions. Free from the restrictions of Court the concept of a holiday as we know it today was started.
The First Royal Visit to Tunbridge Wells
The news of Lord North’s discovery spread around Court.
In 1629 the first royal visitor to the ‘Wells’ was Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, who stayed for six weeks.
As there was no accommodation available at that time, the Royal entourage camped on the Common. It was not until the latter part of the 17th century that the first permanent lodging houses were erected on Mount Sion including Jerningham House, Fairlawn House and Sion House.
With the royal seal of approval, Tunbridge Wells quickly became the most fashionable drinking spa near London, since it was in much closer proximity than Bath or Buxton.
The Beginnings of Tourism in Tunbridge Wells
Following the Royal visit, Dr Lodwick Rowzee, a physician from Ashford, published a paper on the medicinal qualities of the spring.
He established guidelines for the quantity of water that should be drunk and recommended starting with 2½ pints a day increasing to four times that amount during the course of a visit and reducing the amount when preparing to leave the Wells.
After drinking the correct quantity of water the ladies would meet at a coffee house near Pink Alley, whilst the gentlemen visited the pipe house.
Dr Rowzee also recommended walking after taking the water and this became part of the daily ritual.
The green bank, which was located near the Spring and known as the Upper Walk was raised and levelled. A double row of lime and elm trees were planted in order to provide shade for the ladies and gentlemen promenading on the Walks.
In its halcyon days during Georgian times, the 'Walks' became the place to be seen.
Pleasure, Leisure and Scandal at the Spa in Tunbridge Wells
After the Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy, King Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, came to Tunbridge Wells.
The presence of the Court attracted other visitors who were primarily focused on the pursuit of pleasure rather than necessary medical activities.
The demand for entertainment and social amenities, together with the breakdown of rigid social barriers lead to a less formal atmosphere. It was at this time the Wells acquired its reputation as “les eaux de scandale”.
In 1698, Princess Anne, who was a frequent visitor to the Wells gave £100 to have the Upper Walk paved after her son, the Duke of Gloucester, slipped and fell whilst playing.
When she returned the following year nothing had been done and she left never to return.
Eventually the Walks were paved with Pantiles which were clay tiles baked in a pan.
Next in this timeline, we introduce Richard ‘Beau’ Nash who came onto the Spa scene. He was an 18th century fashion icon and famous celebrity of the time.
In 1735, Beau Nash established himself as Master of Ceremonies during 'the season'. He did this by establishing the social protocol thus: the ‘Upper Walks’ for the gentry only, the ‘Lower Walks’ for everyone else.
The day would start by drinking the waters, this was followed by breakfast and attendance at Chapel. The rest of the morning was taken up by such activities as walking or riding in the surrounding countryside.
After dinner, visitors were seen promenading on the Pantiles in formal dress before attending the Balls and Gaming held in the Assembly Rooms.
There is a red plaque on 40-46 The Pantiles to celebrate Beau Nash’s contribution to the history of the Pantiles.
The Pantiles Today
The elegant covered and colonnaded walkway has become the most well known and photographed vista of the town.
Not only that, the Pantiles, with its many buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, is a very attractive and stylish part of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
It is home to a pleasing variety of specialist independent shops, art galleries and open-air cafés, restaurants and bars.
An entertaining and varied programme of regular events, including a free summer Jazz Festival on Thursday evenings, a Food Festival and a fortnightly Farmers' and Craft Market, are all held on the Pantiles.
The natural Chalybeate Spring is still situated at the northern end of the Pantiles.
The Tourist Information Centre is in the historic Corn Exchange building on the Lower Pantiles which used to be the site of a theatre.
Getting Around
There are a number of buses to catch take you up (and down) the hill to other parts of the town and to Rusthall. The 281 Arriva bus (green) is one and it is possible to purhase an all day ticket that forTunbridge Wells.
Further inspiration
Food and Drink in the Pantiles
Heritage of the Region of Tunbridge Wells
Heritage Walking Trail around the Town
5 Things to Love About Tunbridge Wells
External Links
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Number of items: 74
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Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Royal Tunbridge Wells
A great local resource for those interested in health and fitness, with most facilities available on a pay and play basis.
The Forum
Type
Music Hall
Royal Tunbridge Wells
From spring water dispensary to nationally acclaimed live music venue in Royal Tunbridge Wells!
The Hop Farm Family Park
Type
Adventure Park / Playground
Paddock Wood, Maidstone
The Hop Farm Family Park is Kent’s major visitor attraction and event venue. Open weekends and School Holidays only £3 per person to enter.
Bowles Outdoor Centre
Type
Adventure Park / Playground
Eridge Green
A day and residential outdoor centre with accommodation offering rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing and development courses and fun!
Dunorlan Park
Type
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Royal Tunbridge Wells
A glorious local awarding winning park and testament to the Victorian landscaping era. Boating lake and cafe.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Type
Garden
Cranbrook
Famous, stunning gardens set in the remains of a large Elizabethan house amidst the unspoilt Weald countryside.
Hever Castle and Gardens
Type
Historic House / Palace
Edenbridge
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn and later of Lord Astor.
Leeds Castle
Type
Castle / Fort
Leeds, Maidstone
Leeds Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in the UK and your first view of the castle will be one you remember, as it is both classical and spectacular. The castle sits serenely on its island in the middle of the moat, with its crenulations, stone buttresses, bridges and arches. There…
The Queen's Hall Theatre
Type
Theatre
Cranbrook
Providing entertainment in the heart of the Kent Weald.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Type
Steam Railway
Tenterden
A visitor attraction since 1974, the railway offers a selection of on-train catering specials, plus ample free parking at Tenterden and Northiam stations.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Type
Forest
Goudhurst
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is a magnificent place for healthy outdoor activities.
Trinity Theatre and Arts Centre
Type
Theatre
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Located in a converted Grade A listed church by the noted architect Decimus Burton, Trinity Theatre hosts a varied programme of art exhibitions, theatre, films, dance, opera and music productions.
Calverley Grounds
Type
Parkland / Woodland Garden
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Calverley Grounds is a lovely landscaped park of gardens located in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells with attractive lawns and ornamental gardens, including an Italianate garden and welcoming cafe.
Putlands Sports & Leisure Centre
Type
Sports Ground
Paddock Wood, Tonbridge
Purpose built centre provides sports hall, fitness studio, meeting rooms, outdoor tennis courts, football and rugby pitches.
Scotney Castle
Type
Garden
Lamberhurst
Not one but two houses! Victorian country house and ruined 14th century moated castle set in one of England's most romantic 'picturesque' style gardens.
Hawkhurst Fish Farm
Type
Fish Farm
Hawkhurst
Carp fishing for the family with a choice of 7 lakes, cafe and pottery.
Merriments Gardens Ltd
Type
Garden
Hurst Green
The gardens at Merriments in the rolling Sussex countryside never fail to delight.