The Pantiles

A chance discovery of a natural Chalybeate spring in 1603 led to the development of The Pantiles and later Royal Tunbridge Wells. This elegant Georgian area became a destination for the wealthy aristocrats from London who took the rusty brown waters for medicinal purposes including “curing dampness of the brain”

The spring still springs forth such waters and visitors can taste the concoction when the “dipper “ is on duty. As part of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the spring the Council smartened up the area around the spring, installing a fountain which, rather erroneously, gushes clear water.

We were in Tunbridge Wells to look at binoculars for Susan’s birthday (last May) Buying on the internet is not a good idea so we went to look. Unfortunately, the make and model we were interested were not in stock!

Nevertheless we had a good day, an enjoyable lunch, a long walk around the highlights of the town - a place we’ve rarely visited in the 40 years we’ve been in Kent. A fine pint at The Compasses Inn off the main street rounded off the day