Tonbridge Daily Photo - George Wise of Tonbridge

Tonbridge Daily Photo #280 - George Wise Sundial

We've all heard about Tunbridgeware. It's now associated with Tunbridge Wells, but it originated from wood turner George Wise's business in Tonbridge. His workshop was known to exist in 1746 on the banks of the Medway next to Big Bridge - it would have been somewhere between Pizza Express and The Wharf pub. the original buildings have been demolished. The site was probably chosen for easy river access and comprised of a workshop, showrooms and the family lived there too.

This small firm specialised in woodworking and eventually in the product we know today as Tunbridgeware. Tunbridge Wells museum hold a large collection.

Tunbridgeware Box

If you take a walk through Tonbridge School grounds you will find a sundial dedicated to George Wise. It's on the lawns by the chapel. Go take a look and also take in the interesting contemporary sculptures and architecture that the grounds have to offer. Remember to keep to the pathways. It really is a worthwhile and interesting walk.

The sundial was spot on with the time!!!!

Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

Recognising Tonbridge Feature

140 High Street, Tonbridge

This Recognising Tonbridge had more replies that any Recognising Tonbridge feature has ever had. Most of you who thought you had recognised the top of the dome were sure it was above Pizza Express on the Big Bridge.  However, if you look up when you are next passing the restaurant, you will notice that the dome is topped with a weather vane.

Dome on clock tower above Pizza Express

The featured dome is on the corner of Lamberts Yard and the High Street and nestles on the junction of the roof space, above what was the former Santander branch in the High Street.  Built in 1898 it is  typical of late Victorian architecture. It is well worth spending a few moments looking at it from the opposite side of the road, and trying to image what the building may have looked like a century ago.

It's sad to see this dignified old lady empty, but a planning application has been received by TMBC for a change of usage, so we will have to wait and see what that will be. Hopefully it will be befitting for what is afterall such a grand building.