Search for the name, locality, period or a feature of a locality. You'll then be taken to a map showing results.

St John's Recreation Ground, Tunbridge Wells

Introduction

Land for the creation of the recreation ground was acquired in 1899. Features include grassland with trees, a pavilion, tennis and bowling facilities and a Victorian glazed tile fountain.

Grassland with trees and shrubs and herb borders add garden interest around the pavilion, tennis courts and bowling green. An Atlantic Cedar graces the entrance near to the Victorian glazed-tile fountain.
Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Access contact details

This is a municipal site for general public use.

Owners

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council,

Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1RS

Other Websites

History

The land for St John's recreation ground was purchased by the descendents of the first mayor of Tunbridge Wells who opened this second municipal park in his memory.

A temporary bandstand was erected at the start of the 20th century which continued to be used into the 1930s. A tea house was erected in 1914 although only the foundations survive today. The tea house was converted in 1942 into a decontamination centre in readiness to provide assistance to the civilian population in the event of a poison gas attack.

The park's most distinctive feature is the large green Doulton ware fountain which acts as a centrepiece in the lawn by the main entrance. The fountain was installed in 1920 and restored to working order in 1994.

The park was extended in 1961 with the addition of a strip of land between the park and Reynolds Lane which had been used as allotments. In 1990 a further 8 acres of meadow land was purchased and added to the park and it is intended that this area will be maintained in its current form.

Features & Designations

Features

  • Ornamental Fountain
  • Description: The green Doulton ware fountain was given by local resident John H Love, of Pembury Grange in Sandown Park. It was formally accepted by the Mayor in August 1919 and installed in the spring of 1920. Having latterly ceased to function it object narrowly escaped disposal in 1971, but was eventually restored structurally and to working order by the Borough Council in 1994.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Bowling Green
  • Pavilion
  • Tennis Lawn
  • Specimen Tree
  • Description: Atlantic Cedar.
Key Information

Type

Park

Purpose

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces

Survival

Extant

Open to the public

Yes

References

References

Contributors

  • Kent Gardens Trust