Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

Recognising Tonbridge Close Up

R. Allen (Tonbridge) Ltd

This week's Recognising Tonbridge was recognised within minutes, and over the week many correct answers came trickling in including from Wendy Leach, who is part of the team at Stradbrooks, and this one was easy for her as she looks out onto the sign from the practice window.

The old worn enamel sign is well known to locals and sits on the forecourt of R. Allen's garage services in Lyons Crescent. The quaint buildings and worksheds have stood on this spot since the early 1900's, and were used at this time as a boat house, stables, hayloft and workshop where carriages, carts and the early motor car were maintained.

A map dating 1866, and 1897, show that an inlet of water from the River Medway came up as far as the boundary of Lyons Crescent, but this was filled in so that the yard could be used and built on. By 1908 maps show that the inlet no longers exists, and a number of buildings including a boat house were in use. There is some evidence that secret electrical work was going on in the building during WWII.  It would be interesting to know about this.

Duncan Welch who owns the garage grew up in Lyons Crescent, and has worked in the garage for most of his life. It was a different place then before the massive development of apartments and housing that now surround the area.  He has many happy memories especially of boating on the river and playing in his father's boat shed.

There are not many places like this left in Tonbridge. It really is a gem.