Recognising Tonbridge

The Masonic Building sign above Ellis Estate Agents

The Masonic Building by The Big Bridge

I posted this Recognising Tonbridge on a rainy day, and a number of readers who didn't know where it was located admitted to staying warm and dry at home, while zooming around Tonbridge on Google Street View. But, many of you knew where it was, and almost instantly answers were coming through on Twitter.  It pleases me that so many of you enjoy the Recognising Tonbridge posts and get actively involved in finding the answers.

I did ask if anyone knew more information about the building and apparently the 'B' Mineral Water Company began trading from this site in 1887, and in 1896 The Courier published an article concerning the mineral water following complaints on the quality of the product.  This piece is below and gives us an idea of how the different levels of the building were used over a century ago.

"Comparatively a short time ago it was a matter of complaints amongst members of the Temperance Party and others who consume various kinds of aerated waters, that ­process of their manufacture was not conducted with the requisite skills and care. The result was the production of beverages anything but tasty to the palate and all but ruinous to the digestive organs.

How greatly things have improved since the days of these well founded complaints may be seen by a glance at the well equipped of the “B” Mineral Water Company in the Centre of the High Street, Tonbridge.

From the order and booking department, through the window' of which The whirling shafts and wheels of the machinery can be seen, down to the bottle washing department, every arrangement is characterised by a neatness and system, as well as an absolute cleanliness, that speaks well for the thoroughness of the supervision. Upstairs is the syrup room where the various flavorings and essences are carefully prepared in enamel pans, spotlessly clean.

On the ground floor is the factory proper, fitted up with the most approved machinery for the purpose the whole being driven by a compact vertical steam engine. At the back is the stabling and coach- house room for the vans needed in this rapidly increasing business. besides stores, where cases and bottles apparently without number are stacked, every ­drop of water used in the preparation of the 'B' Minerals is carefully filtered, and no ingredient that is not of the finest quality procurable is used." 

I also asked an elderly resident of Tonbridge, who is in her 93rd year, if she remembered anything about the Masonic Building.  She told me that Gunners Department store occupied the site on the corner at Lyons Crescent.  Tonbridge would close for trading every Wednesday afternoon and the Freemasons met in a room above Ellis during this quiet time.  In 1934 they were meeting on the 4th Wednesday of every month.

Can anyone offer any additional information on the Masonic Building?
Or is it just too secret !!!