Tonbridge, Kent – photos of the town centre, architecture and private schools

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Last weekend I took a trip to Tonbridge in Kent, and grabbed some photos as I wandered around town before the Tonbridge vs Dulwich Hamlet football match.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

There’s not a lot to see around the station, but a short walk north rewards you with views over the River Medway.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Looking over the river is the remains of Tonbridge Castle, which dates back to 1088.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Taking a boat trip.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Created by Tonbridge sculptor Peter Hills and erected in 2004, this stone memorial bears the legend, ‘In proud memory of all Tonbridge men and women who have given their lives in serving our community during war and peace’.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

The new memorial in front of the castle wall.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

The 500 year old Chequers Inn has been described as, “one of the finest examples of a Kentish timber-framed building that can be found today.”

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Street signs.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Old London & County Bank building.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

High Street architectural detail.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Boarded-up building on Bank Street.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Ghost sign, Bank Street.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge is home to several independent educational establishments, including the prestigious Tonbridge School (above).

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judd, Tonbridge School is as posh as they come, being a member of the Eton Group.

The fees are among the highest of all the independent schools in Britain in terms of Boarding, at £35,163 per year, compared to Eton’s £34,434 or Harrow’s £34,590.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

The roll call of notable Old Tonbridgians is as long as you might expect, including a host of MPs, writers, musicians and, most interestingly, occultist Aleister Crowley.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools

School crest.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

High Street shops.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Close to the football ground I came across this guy walking these three, lion-sized dogs.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

The splendid architecture of The Castle pub, which was sold in September 2013 and has remained closed ever since.

According to a local newspaper report, it will “categorically” not reopen as a pub, which seems a shame.

Tonbridge, Kent - photos of the town centre, architecture and schools, April 2015

And finally, a splendid example of 1970s typography.

See more Kent photos here.

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