The Pantiles

Chalybeate spring

The chalybeate spring is situated at the north-eastern end of The Pantiles at 51°7′35.95″N 0°15′31.08″E. The spring is overlooked by the Dipper's Hall. The waters are rich in iron giving them a unique taste.

Tourists can sample the spring water which is served by costumed 'Dippers' every summer.

1606-1659: Discovery of the wells

Dudley Lord North, a distinguished courtier during the reign of King James I, discovered the waters in 1606. Having lived a fashionably excessive lifestyle, he retired to the countryside (in nearby Eridge) in an unsuccessful attempt to repair his health. Travelling through woodland on his return to London, he discovered the waters and decided to try them. He found his health completely restored and lived to the age of 80.

With public interest aroused, Lord Abergavenny cleared the area of brushwood, sank wells and surrounded them with stone paving and railings. The waters subsequently attracted other visitors, who also claimed their health to be restored. Although few in number, due to the lack of accommodation nearby (at this time, the nearest being in Tunbridge (now Tonbridge), some 5 miles to the north), the visitors were of a high calibre. They included Henrietta Maria of France, wife of King Charles I, six weeks after the birth of her son (later to become King Charles II) whose party camped in tents at Bishops Down due to the lack of nearby lodgings.

Originally referred to as Frant Wells, they were later renamed Queen Mary’s Wells, in honour of Queen Mary II and were only later given the present name of Tunbridge Wells.

The Upper and Lower Walks were created in 1638, when an existing bank of earth stretching south-west from the wells was levelled and planted with a double row of trees. Wooden buildings were constructed on both sides of the Walks.

1660-1738: Post-Restoration

The wells were neglected and almost forgotten during the English civil wars. It is following the Restoration, that several improvements were made to the immediate area, including construction of an assembly room and bowling green. In 1664, following a dangerous illness, the queen (Catherine of Braganza) was ordered to drink the waters, increasing their popularity.

In 1687, a fire destroyed the wooden buildings located on either side of the Walks. The buildings were later rebuilt with the colonnades which give the Pantiles its distinctive character today. By 1697, coffee houses had been developed in the area.

1739 onwards: The Rusthall Manor Act

Signed in 1739, the Rusthall Manor Act ensured that the Walks, the Wells and the Dipper's Hall would be freely accessible to the public. It also prevented the building of any further buildings on Tunbridge Wells Common.

Background to the name "Pantiles"

The pantiles used to pave the Upper Walks should not be confused with roofing pantiles. The paving installed there comprised one-inch thick square tiles made from heavy wealden clay, so named because they were shaped in a wooden pan before firing. A few pantiles, believed to be original, can still be seen in the paving near the chalybeate spring.

Most of the Pantiles is listed: mostly built early to mid 19th century. No.7 is c.1660; 39-41 was formerly the Gloster Tavern; The Corn Exchange and Royal Victoria Hotel are both early 19th century.

Events

A farmer's market is held on the Pantiles every other Saturday, selling local produce. The Pantiles also hosts various festivals during the year including a food festival, a music festival featuring local bands, a fashion market and an open air art exhibition.

During the summer, the Pantiles hosts a jazz season, featuring free evening outdoor jazz concerts on Thursday evenings where musicians play on the historic bandstand.