Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

A ruined castle is uncompromising even within the setting of a public garden. The profile of the Norman mote, the solidity of the 13th-century gatehouse and the encircling curtain wall are well-balanced by the expanse of castle lawn within the bailey where trees are largely confined to the perimeter. The external grounds slope down to the walk alongside the Medway River and the nearby pool and rock garden.

Tonbridge Park has sports pitches, tennis and bowling, a swimming poo1 and recreational activities for children.

Monument Types

• LANDSCAPE PARK (Post Medieval to Modern - 1899 AD to 2050 AD)

Full description

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DESCRIPTION
A ruined castle is uncompromising even within the setting of a public garden. The profile of the Norman mote, the solidity of the 13th-century gatehouse and the encircling curtain wall are well-balanced by the expanse of castle lawn within the bailey where trees are largely confined to the perimeter. The external grounds slope down to the walk alongside the Medway River and the nearby pool and rock garden.

Tonbridge Park has sports pitches, tennis and bowling, a swimming poo1 and recreational activities for children.

HISTORY
Tonbridge Castle, now a Grade I Listed Building was purchased by Tonbridge Urban District Council in 1899.
Features

planting
Rock garden.

lawn
Castle lawn.

pool

walk

river
River Medway.
(1-2)

<1> Parks and Gardens Data Services Limited (PGDS), 2005, Parks and Gardens UK (www.parksandgardens.org) (Website). SKE16061.

<2> Kent County Council, 1996, The historic parks and gardens of Kent (Kent Gardens Compendium) (Unpublished document). SKE12972.

Sources and further reading