Promenading At Tonbridge Castle

The Victorians were highly interested in taking a leisurely walk in public so as to be seen by others. Everyone dressed in their finest and came out to see and be seen.  It was a time that piers and seaside promenades were an essential part of life gaining the favour of a generation who were experiencing more leisure time, and therefore a walk about town or along the seafront was socially popular.

Tonbridge Castle

It is then of no surprise that in 1898 Tonbridge castle and the surrounding grounds were acquired by the council for the people of Tonbridge.  A walk was planned and constructed so that the area and river could be made accessible to residents, and the walls and gatehouse could be partially renovated.

River Walk Tonbridge Castle

In May 1900 the new walkway and the grounds were officially open to the public and so the promenading could begin for the Victorian residents of Tonbridge.  One can only imagine what a sight that must have been.