This curated showcase offers visitors a rare glimpse into the evolution of our community through a collection of local artefacts and historic photography
Tonbridge Historical Society in collaboration with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is proud to announce an upcoming exhibition.
The exhibition features a diverse range of items, including the Society’s collection of Tunbridge Ware, original trade tools alongside a gallery of photographs showing the town's streets and landmarks as they appeared decades ago.
Specific subjects covered include Sport and Leisure, Tonbridge banking, the River and Big Bridge, The Market Places of Tonbridge and the Town Hall, and Tonbridge Industries.
“This exhibition is about more than just looking back; it’s about celebrating the identity of our town,” says George Buswell, chair of Tonbridge Historical Society. “We’ve spent time digitising archives and preparing unique pieces that tell a story words often can’t. We believe that history shouldn’t live behind locked doors. These artefacts and photographs belong to the story of this town and its people. We feel it is time to bring them out of the archives to where they can be appreciated by everyone”.
- Location: The Council Room, Tonbridge Castle.
Members of the History Society will be on hand to provide insights and answer questions about the collection.
Historical walks and talks
As part of the first ‘Tonbridge History Weekend’ and in addition to the exhibition, members of Tonbridge Historical Society will be leading two Walks on Saturday 23 May and giving two talks on Sunday 24 May.
Booking for a walk or talk is essential by emailing secretary@tonbridgehistory.org.uk to reserve a place.
Walk 1 – Walking the Fosse with Mark Ansdell
Saturday 23 May, 10am
Starting from the Big Bridge, this accessible 90‑minute walk follows the full length of the Fosse, exploring its medieval origins and the role it played in protecting the town beyond the castle gates.
Walk 2 – Lost Pubs of Tonbridge with Cathy Rishman
Saturday 23 May, 1pm
Starting at Tonbridge railway station and finishing at the Big Bridge, this 1.5‑mile guided walk uncovers the sites and stories of former pubs, hotels and breweries that once shaped the town. The walk ends near a range of pubs and cafés.
Talk 1 – Medieval Tonbridge by George Buswell
Sunday 24 May, 11am
Meeting Room, ground floor, Tonbridge Castle
An illustrated talk exploring daily life in medieval Tonbridge and the features that remain today, including the Fosse, the parish church and surviving historic buildings.
Talk 2 – The Worthies of Tonbridge by Pat Mortlock
Sunday 24 May, 1pm
Meeting Room, ground floor, Tonbridge Castle
Focusing on notable individuals associated with Tonbridge, this talk highlights figures commemorated through the town’s blue plaque scheme and their contribution to local and national history.