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 2025:
Thursday 11th December 7.30pm at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
'Robert Russell, Tunbridge Ware Maker' - an illustrated talk by Michael Howes who examines the extraordinary career of Robert Russell - arguably
the most original of the Tunbridge ware makers. Russell emerged from a relatively
troubled childhood to become a business owner who, after showing works at the
Great Exhibition, could not keep up with demand. Whilst Russell could have
upscaled and enlarged his workforce and output, he chose not to do so and remained
a one-man-band with only his son assisting. He put quality and reputation above
wealth, leading to the magnificent and highly original Tunbridge wares that are
revered by collectors today. Michael's three-year research project has led to the
creation of a catalogue
raisonne of all known
works, including many
hitherto unseen examples.
As this is the Christmas meeting the traditional refreshments of wine and mince pies will be provided after the presentation.
