Royal Tunbridge Wells
Bill writes: In early January we went to Royal Tunbridge Wells. This is a spa town in the heart of the Kentish countryside about an hour outside of London by train. It was popular with the Beau Nashe set during Georgian times (the 1740s), and still retains much of its original elegance to this day.
Our first stop was the Church of King Charles the Martyr, completed in 1678, where one of the parishioners walked us round and explained its history to us. For instance, it was created by subscription, in which various members of the church donated to its construction and their names were then listed in a scroll, which is still on the church wall. One of the subscribers whose signature appears is the omnipresent Samuel Pepys, he of the famous diary. We find his mark everywhere in we travel through London and outlying cities--he remarked on everything, usually having a sharp observation on local happenings, which always seemed to occur either on his way to or his way from an assignation with some woman other than his wife.
By far the best known landmark in the city is the Pantilles. These are a set of shops along a long, curving street. At one end is the Chalybeate Springs, the waters of which were known for their curative powers. This is what brought people to the city beginning in 1606, and over time, the Pantilles grew up along it.
After going through the Pantilles, we walked through the parks and town, inevitably winding up at the coffee shop. Just for those who are into hot chocolate drinks, this is Aline's coffee mocha. It was a do-it-yourself kit, with (clockwise from the top), a jug of melted dark chocolate, coffee, and hot milk.
Our first stop was the Church of King Charles the Martyr, completed in 1678, where one of the parishioners walked us round and explained its history to us. For instance, it was created by subscription, in which various members of the church donated to its construction and their names were then listed in a scroll, which is still on the church wall. One of the subscribers whose signature appears is the omnipresent Samuel Pepys, he of the famous diary. We find his mark everywhere in we travel through London and outlying cities--he remarked on everything, usually having a sharp observation on local happenings, which always seemed to occur either on his way to or his way from an assignation with some woman other than his wife.
By far the best known landmark in the city is the Pantilles. These are a set of shops along a long, curving street. At one end is the Chalybeate Springs, the waters of which were known for their curative powers. This is what brought people to the city beginning in 1606, and over time, the Pantilles grew up along it.
After going through the Pantilles, we walked through the parks and town, inevitably winding up at the coffee shop. Just for those who are into hot chocolate drinks, this is Aline's coffee mocha. It was a do-it-yourself kit, with (clockwise from the top), a jug of melted dark chocolate, coffee, and hot milk.
posted by Bill | 1:05 PM
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