thumb|right|[[Photochrom of the Pantiles, 1895]]

thumb|right|Chalybeate spring building in the Pantiles

thumb|right|The chalybeate spring itself

The Pantiles is a Georgian colonnade in the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. Formerly known as "The Walks" and the (Royal) "Parade", it leads from the well that gave the town its name. The area, developed following the discovery of a chalybeate spring in 1606, has become a popular tourist-attraction.

the Pantiles includes a variety of specialist shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and bars, as well as a farmers market held outside every other Saturday. Throughout the summer jazz bands play outside on the bandstand, attracting hundreds of people.

Chalybeate spring

The chalybeate spring is situated at the north-eastern end of The Pantiles at . The spring is overlooked by the Dipper's Hall. The waters are rich in iron giving them a unique taste.

Tourists can sample the spring water which is served by costumed 'Dippers' every summer.

With public interest aroused, Lord Abergavenny cleared the area of brushwood, sank wells and surrounded them with stone paving and railings. The waters subsequently attracted other visitors, who also claimed their health to be restored. Although few in number, due to the lack of accommodation nearby (at this time, the nearest being in Tunbridge (now Tonbridge), some 5 miles to the north), the visitors were of high social standing. They included Henrietta Maria of France, wife of King Charles I, six weeks after the birth of her son (later to become King Charles II) whose party camped in opulent tents erected at Bishops Down, due to the lack of nearby lodgings.

1660–1738: Post-Restoration

The wells were neglected and almost forgotten during the English civil wars. It is following the Restoration, that several improvements were made to the immediate area, including construction of an assembly room and bowling green. In 1664, following a dangerous illness, the queen (Catherine of Braganza) was ordered to drink the waters, increasing their popularity.

Most of the Pantiles is listed: mostly built early to mid 19th century. No.7 is c.1660; 39-41 was formerly the Gloster Tavern; the Corn Exchange and Royal Victoria Hotel are both early 19th century.

Events

The Pantiles also hosts various festivals during the year including a food festival, a music festival featuring local bands, a fashion market and an open air art exhibition.

During the summer, the Pantiles hosts a summer jazz season, featuring evening outdoor jazz concerts on Thursday evenings where musicians play on the historic bandstand.

Cultural references

The Pantiles was used as a filming location for the 1967 musical Half a Sixpence starring Tommy Steele and Julia Foster. In 1991 it was used as a backdrop for the band World Of Twist, on the cover of their debut album, Quality Street, with the group dressed in period costume. In 2007 it was used in a Christmas television advert for the Morrisons supermarket chain starring the singer Lulu. This caused some local discontent as Morrisons had only recently closed their Tunbridge Wells store. Morrisons returned to the Pantiles for their 2009 Christmas advert starring Richard Hammond and Denise van Outen. In 2021, the Pantiles was the backdrop for the televised Christmas advert of the online retailer, Very.

Notes

References

  • The Pantiles Traders website listing all shops and events on The Pantiles
  • Visit Tunbridge Wells - Tourist Information
  • The Pantiles Landlord Targetfollows website
  • Eric Knowles Antiques The Pantiles Arcade