Tunbridge is seated on the river Tun, one of the five branches of the river Medway, over each of which is a stone bridge. Here are the ruins of a large castle, erected by Richard ,earl of Clare, natural son of Richard I, duke of Normandy; and here is a good free-school now under the care of the ingenious Dr Knox. The stone causeway leading into the town from London was a gift in 1528. In this parish, five miles south of the town are the celebrated chalybeat springs ,called Tunbridge-wells which were first discovered in 1606 by Dudley, lord North. The first buildings were erected here in 1636. They are seated at the bottom of three hills on which are scattered some good houses and gardens, and as the country is naturally wild, the effect of the whole is very romantic and picturesque. Here are all the buildings requisite for the accommodation of visitors, with a chapel of care, a plentiful market, and shops noted for their elegant tunnery ware. One miles and a half from the wells are some stupendous rocks which no traveller should fail to visit. Two miles beyond Tunbridge on the l. is Summer-hill, -------- Woodgate, esq. formerly the residence of the famous Lambert after the civil wars.
Inns : Angel, Rose and Crown.
Use the "Show me" link to locate Tunbridge Wells on the map. You may need to scroll down to see Tunbridge Wells highlighted.
Chapter 21 