
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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Lamberhurst Golf Club
Type
Golf Course
Tunbridge Wells
18 hole golf course near Royal Tunbridge Wells, situated in a parkland of outstanding natural beauty.
All Saints Church, Maidstone
Type
Church / Chapel
Maidstone
The Parish Church of the county town of Kent was largely built by Archbishop Courtenay (14th century) and is one of the largest and finest Perpendicular churches in England. Of note are the medieval choir stalls and the Washington family memorial.
Knole
Type
Historic House / Palace
Sevenoaks
Sitting proudly at the heart of the only remaining medieval deer park in Kent, Knole's fascinating links with royalty as well as its literary connections with Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf, make this one of the most intriguing houses in England
Broadview Gardens & Garden Centre
Type
Garden Centre
Hadlow, Tonbridge
Ten acres of landscaped and themed gardens. All year round interest and colour. Enjoy tea and cakes in the adjacent tearoom. Purchase specialist plants in the garden centre. Open all year. Phone for further details.
Fenton's Curling Rink
Type
Sports Ground
Near Kippings Cross, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Currently closed | The only curling rink in England.
Hever Castle Golf Club
Type
Golf Course
Edenbridge
9 hole golf course and squash club near Royal Tunbridge Wells
Gulliver's Play Cafe
Type
Adventure Park / Playground
Cranbrook
Gulliver’s Play Café makes fresh food for kids and grown-ups that will tantalise your tastebuds. It’s a place to play, relax, meet and make memories!
Cycle-Ops.Co.Uk
Type
Cycling
Tonbridge
Choose from cycle hire or moving-on holidays. Modern quality bikes, good routes and support services. Large groups possible. Local routes include the NEW off road trail to Penshurst with lots to see and do. Great for all the family.
Tunbridge Wells Museum, The Amelia, at Royal Victoria Place
Type
Museum
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Whilst the 1950s building is closed for redevelopment some collections are displayed in the Library’s temporary premises at Royal Victoria Place shopping centre (level 1, opposite Fenwick and Muffin Break).
Tonbridge Castle
Type
Castle / Fort
Tonbridge
Open all year, Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun/BH 10.30am-4pm. Closed Christmas & New Year. Last tour one hour before closing time. Grounds open daily, free of charge, 8am-dusk. Adults £5.00, concessions £3.00, Family £13.50.
Mercure Tunbridge Wells Health Club
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Royal Tunbridge Wells
It's all about indulgence in the health club.
Art By The Yard - Workshops/Online Shop
Type
Craft Centre
Tunbridge Wells
Creative Workshops hosted by local artist Joanna Harris
Spa Health
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Indoor heated swimming pool 10m, two gymnasiums,
Steam room and saunas and floodlit tennis court
There are Qualified Personal Trainers on site