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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.


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 9th October 7.30pm at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT

Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards Evening
- presented by Dr David Wright.


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Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society - Registered Charity No. 276545