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.
New book on Trinity now available to order
This book has been produced to coincide with the opening of Trinity
tower to the public. Today, the historical significance of this
splendid building and the role it plays in the artistic and cultural
life of the town are widely recognised. Yet less than sixty years ago
it was threatened with demolition. The book explains the campaign
fought by the local Civic Society, and others, to save the building
and find a new and worthwhile role that would safeguard its future.
Brian Lippard has lived or worked in Tunbridge Wells since 1971.
He is a member and past chairman of the RTW Civic Society, and is
currently chairman of its Local History Group. He has had access
to the archives of the Civic Society, Trinity, TWBC and the Courier
newspaper. He also wishes to acknowledge the unfailing support he
has received from Dr. Philip Whitbourn OBE. Without his help this
book would be a shadow of what it is now.
In A5 portrait format it costs just £4.95. You can get your copy by clicking on the link above to our Publications page and ordering on-line.
Our next events for 2024:
Tuesday 4th June Outing to Buckhurst Park and The Dorset Arms in Withyham
10.30am - at Buckhurst Park, Withyham, Hartfield, East Sussex, TN7 4BL.
Following our interesting and well attended talk last year in Withyham Church on the Sackville tombs by Lady de La Warr, she has invited us to a private tour of her home and gardens at Buckhurst Park followed by a two course lunch at her pub The Dorset Arms.
She has suggested it will take her two and a half hours to take us on the tour, so has planned a start at 10.30am and has booked lunch at 1pm. Please park at the house by 10.15am.
The combined cost is £45.00 per person. Drinks at the pub are not included! Limited to 40 members.
Please note this outing is now fully booked.
Thursday 13th June 7.30pm at Christ Church, High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UT
'An 18th Century Entrepreneur: Sarah Baker and her Kentish Theatres' - an illustrated talk by Jean Baker (no relation).
How an illiterate fairground performer went on to open four purpose-built theatres, ending with one in Tunbridge Wells in 1802. Be sure to come along for what should prove to be a fascinating evening.
