Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery at Hawkenbury

On Saturday 7th June 2014 the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery at Hawkenbury with be launched in  the Twin Chapels.

This is our Press Release:

 HIDDEN VICTORIAN HISTORY : AN INVITATION FOR SATURDAY 7 JUNE TH
Most local people have never walked round the rolling acres of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery,
viewed its many hundreds of elaborately sculptured Victorian memorials or looked inside the
neat twin chapels built in 1873 at its centre. There will be an opportunity to do all three on
Saturday 7 June when the newly formed Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery are holding
an open day between 2pm-4.30pm. An exhibition in one of the chapels will give a view into
the history of the cemetery and the lives of some of the people buried there.
Marking the start of National Cherishing our Churchyards Week, the Mayor and MP Greg
Clark will at 2.30 make a brief tour of three memorials closely connected with the history of
the cemetery and its inmates. They are those of William Brentnall its designer, William
Charles Cripps the first Town Clerk of Tunbridge Wells and Sir Robert Gower, Mayor during
part of the Great War Years.
Guided history walks round an early section of the cemetery and a guided nature walk will
start from the chapels at 3.15pm. All are welcome to join these.
Speaking about the new Friends group, Robert Atwood, its Chairman said “ Over the years
this has been called one of the most beautiful cemeteries in England. We want as many
people as possible to come along to see for themselves this hidden part of the town’s heritage.
Who ever said Tunbridge Wells has no public art? ”

 This is the key which opens the door to Tunbridge Wells history and heritage.
Do come and join us and celebrate this wonderful memorial space in Tunbridge Wells.

Website here :  Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery at Hawkenbury