RTW Civic Society

An independent organisation campaigning for the conservation and improvement of the town and its important heritage and rich cultural life.

[Simon Blake @BlakeUnit]

@RTWCS I have sent an email of support for listing this building to Heritage England - hopefully that will help in their decision to save it.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

The Civic Society began working on an alternative proposal immediately after first learning from the Council’s consultant team that the hall was to be substantially demolished.
Photography Sarah Mott
@thevicsoc
#TunbridgeWells

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

Thread
Two months ago, the Civic Society indicated to the developers how they could retain the Friendly Societies Hall (FSH) while still meeting the cinema operator’s requirements for three screens & an associated bar area, simply by moving them closer to the Calverley Precinct

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

In fact, they have submitted a formal request to Historic England asking it to specifically rule out the possibility of listing the FSH.

[The Victorian Society @thevicsoc]

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council revealed it wishes to demolish the Friendly Society Hall, leaving only the facade on Camden Rd. @RTWCS have made an application for listing to @HistoricEngland.
Exterior + interior photographs of the historic Hall and snooker centre @SarahJaneMott

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

Others which could be mentioned are Kentish Mansions and The Hare Public House.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

William Barnsley Hughes designed the Friendly Societies Hall as already mentioned. Of his landmark buildings in the #TunbridgeWells area only the stables at Salomons House in Southborough is currently listed. A certain case of underlisting, surely?

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

Like many Friendly Society events, it was widely celebrated with a procession, triumphal arches, and a loyal address at the Great Hall, and on to the Friendly Society Hall itself.
📷Sarah Mott : Photographer

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

ome more #TunbridgeWells history :
The foundation stone for the Friendly Society Hall itself was laid by Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, and daughter of Queen Victoria, in June 1877.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

With her country house in Rusthall she was invited to take part by the Hon Frances Molyneux, who lived on Mt Ephraim and was a great supporter of the Friendly Societies.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

The Friendly Society Hall was designed by William Barnsley Hughes when he was apparently only 25 years old. An accomplished piece of Victorian eclectic design which deserves conservation as a building, not just as a façade …

Thanks Sarah Mott : Photographer
#tunbridgewells

[Ian Beavis @iancbeavis]

We do have the wonderful Tunbridge Wells Equitable Friendly Society banner though. With the best tag line ever - 'Sickness is ever present, Death comes to all'. They believed in telling it like it is in those days!

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

Meanwhile we've applied for the building to be placed on the national list of protected buildings. Why pull it down?
Some interior shots.
Sarah Mott photographer 📷

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

The Council's developers say the snooker hall has to go to make space for the cinema. We have shown this is not so. The snooker hall is valuable socially & the building for its history & architecture. We have shown the developers our alternative & are waiting for their reply.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

From the historic Pump Room & Great Hall to iconic spaces like the Opera House and Assembly Hall, discover how theatre has evolved and how public attitudes toward it have changed over time.
A captivating journey through culture, history, and performance this is one not to miss!

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

Step into the rich theatrical past of Tunbridge Wells this April as our Newsletter Editor, Chris Jones, re-presents his fascinating talk, ‘Exits and Entrances’.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

First delivered at Trinity during Heritage Open Days 2023, this updated talk brings fresh insights into a story that spans more than twenty venues across the town.

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

Quite hard to miss this one #tunbridgewells

[Mary Harris @maryharristw]

This will get your attention - it did mine! One for Tunbridge Wells #TunbridgeWells https://t.co/kEZtzXYkFK https://t.co/kEZtzXYkFK

[RTW Civic Society @RTWCS]

@CarolynTGray @theamelia_tw Great that there is one in the local studies room @theamelia_tw Wonder how many of our titles are there?