Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

Recognising Tonbridge feature

Former Corn Exchange in Bank Street

 

It's very rare that a Recognising Tonbridge isn't recognised but this is one that was not. The close-up photograph is part of the circular feature set in the apex of the former Corn Exchange in Bank Street.

It was originally built as a Dissenters Chapel in 1791 (the Dissenters were Christians who separated from the Church of England and formed their own place of worship). Later it was converted into the town's Corn Exchange which at the time stood at the entrance to Tonbridge Market. For a period of time it served as The Royal West Kent Drill Hall.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

Up to the early 19th century Tonbridge Market took place between Church Lane and  East Street.  The cattle and sheep pens were set up in the centre of the High Street with a narrow space either side for passing carriages.  In 1856 the market moved from the High Street to open land between Bank Street and The Slade.

Following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 1971 the cattle market closed and became a general Saturday market until 2003.

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

In 1259 The Earl of Gloucester was granted the right to hold a weekly market in Tonbridge