MOUNT SION is that part of Tunbridge Wells often called ‘the old village’, or just ‘the village’, between the Grove and Cumberland Walk, with Claremont Road at the top and the High Street at the bottom. The history of the area is quite fascinating and has been thoroughly researched by Roger Farthing over many years from a wealth of surviving records and, indeed, buildings. The author now provides a compelling and detailed narrative account, illuminated with over two hundred carefully - chosen and well - captioned illustrations.
From its earliest past, through the building of the Chapel of King Charles, the author goes on to record the first leases granted by the Manor of South Frith from 1684 and the Chancery case of 1708 which provides a wealth of evidence for the period. The main theme of the book is the subsequent development of each of those original leased plots; with great detail of the dating of houses and facts and anecdotes about their successive owners many of whom left their mark, and sometimes their names, on Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Indeed, great human interest is entertainingly maintained throughout the narrative; from Queen Anne to the whimsical pub landlord said to have given Mount Sion its name, from the Quaker Seale and the Baptist Jordan to Beau Nash said to have had a house or gaming rooms in the Village these and many other fascinating people and questions are discussed. As are the many sources meticulously recorded in a lengthy Commentary, with a Bibliography and a full Index.
A Cambridge graduate, the author writes in an academic and very readable style, as those familiar with his previous and particularly popular Royal Tunbridge Wells (1990) will know.
This important new work will be warmly welcomed throughout the area, not only by the ‘villagers’, and by local historians everywhere as a splendid example of ‘in depth’ investigation of the past of one small district.
'a truly impressive book.. a real monument to detailed research... so well written... anyone who has an interest in Tunbridge Wells really must add this book to their library.' Journal of Kent History
'This long, learned and attractively written book is carefully illustrated throughout and well produced... a major contribution to the history of the town.' Archaeologia Cantiana
|