Tonbridge

51.1958333333330.275Koordinaten: 51 ° 12 ' N, 0 ° 17' O

Tonbridge is a city in southern Britain in the county of Kent. Tonbridge has about 32,000 inhabitants ( 2004) and is located on the Medway. Tonbridge belongs to the administrative district of Tonbridge and Malling and lies about 45 km south- east of London. The nearest large neighboring town is Tunbridge Wells.

History

Tonbridge Castle was built in the 11th century by the nobleman Richard Fitzgilbert. This had been left to the lands previously owned by William I (England) as a reward for his loyalty in the Battle of Hastings. With the construction of the castle both the population of the small settlement Tonebridge, as its name in 1086 in the Book of Winchester was still, as well as their reputation in the country grew. In 1088 the town was burnt down, as there was a rebellion against William II (England). Until the late eighteenth century, the city was then under the name of Tunbridge in the cards.

Economically, Tonbridge picked up by the ability of its citizens to deal with wood, from its surroundings. To date, the so-called " Tunbridgeware " (wood inlay goods and small art objects ) beyond the city limits, it is known. Statewide recognition, however Tonbridge won by the manufacturing of cricket balls. In the criminal history Tonbridge went through the theft of 53.1 million pounds from a cash depot of the company " Securitas " one in 2006.

Infrastructure

Tonbridge has a supra-regionally important railway station and is a short distance from the M25 motorway. However, the highway A21 between London to the north and Hastings in the south is the most important port on the English road network.

Historic buildings in the surrounding area

  • Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge: A well-preserved castle ruins;
  • Bodiam Castle, Bodiam: A well-preserved castle ruins from the 14th century;
  • Bateman's, Burwash. House of ironworks owner from the 17th century; was for 30 years home of the poet / writer Rudyard Kipling ( The Jungle Book ).
  • Chartwell in Westerham / Sevenoaks: Former residence of the English. Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.
  • Hever Castle, Hever / Tonbridge Master's House, home of Anne Boleyn before she became the second wife of Henry VIII.
  • Knole House, Sevenoaks: One of the biggest mansions England since Elizabeth I in the family of Sackville, (see Vita Sackville-West ), furniture collection, ceremonial halls and art gallery.
  • Penshurst Place, Penshurst / Tonbridge: One of the best preserved " Stately Homes" in England from the 14th century.
  • Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst / Tunbridge Wells: A " Country House " from the 19th century with a picturesque view of the castle ruins from the 14th century.
  • Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone / Tonbridge: A " mansion " of the 16th century collection of Japanese armor and Egyptian and Buddhist artifacts - large Japanese garden.

Train

  • Judd School ( boys high school with mixed upper level)
  • Tonbridge Grammar School (girls' school with a mixed school)
  • Weald of Kent Grammar School (girls' school with a mixed school)
  • Tonbridge School ( private school for boys )
  • Hillview School (girls' secondary school )
  • K College
  • Hugh Christie Technology College ( Secondary School )
  • Hayes Brook School ( Boys Secondary School )

Twinning

Tonbridge maintains partnerships with cities

  • Le Puy -en -Velay in France (since 1968)
  • Heusenstamm in Germany (since 1984)

Sons and daughters

River Medway William II of England Le Puy-en-Velay
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