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Tonbridge is an historic town, well-known
for its culture and heritage. The Castle and Church, River Medway,
a Public School, fine traditions of sport and a variety of shopping
facilities all make Tonbridge a town with something for all ages
and interests.
The
magnificent 13th century Motte and Bailey Castle stands tall above
the River Medway and is still the dominant feature of the town today.
Its grounds provide an ideal picnic spot in the summer months or
the chance to take a relaxing break away from the bustling High
Street. This is the perfect setting for a varied programme of events
running throughout the year which include the popular May Festival
and Carnival, Summer Band Concerts and Art Exhibitions. As from
September 1999, the Castle is due for a "re-fit" which
will enhance the access and contents of the Castle tour. This will
take up to twelve months to complete.
Tonbridge
has been a market town since the Earl of Gloucester was granted
the right to hold a weekly market in 1259. The market was originally
held in the High Street but moved to its present site in Bank Street
in 1856 when the Tonbridge Stock and Cattle Market Company was formed.
Sadly, the cattle market closed down entirely in 1971. The site
is still owned by the Tonbridge Stock and Cattle Market Company
and the current market operator, Platt Markets, have run the Saturday
Market in Bank Street since approximately 1960. This is a general
Market with many stalls, including clothes, fresh fruit and vegetables
and meat produce. It has always been well attended by local residents
and tourists alike.
There
are currently three markets in Tonbridge. A Fleamarket at the Angel
Leisure Centre on Fridays, the market in Bank Street on Saturdays
and a Sunday market that can be found opposite Tonbridge railway
station.
The
River Medway flows through Tonbridge and during the Summer summer
it is possible to hire rowing boats at the Big Bridge, or board
the Caxton long boat for a leisurely cruise. The local fishing club
have rights over 14 miles of the river and 7 lakes. Day tickets
are available. Take advantage of the Brittannia's Jolly Boat that
has been recently saved and now runs throughout the summer months
between the Castle grounds and Haysden Country Park. Operating at
weekends and then daily during the school holidays, take a relaxing
jaunt down the river to the 160 acres of beautiful Country Park
that are at your disposal.
Lo-tek
recording studios are about 25 minutes from Tonbridge Station.
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