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Pantiles
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Above engraving 1800. |
Above painting by J Clifford, 1830. |
Above engraving 4 November 1834 showing Princess Victoria and Duchess of
Kent leaving Tunbridge Wells. |
Above engraving 1840. |
Above engraving 1880. |
I also have reference to an establishment called the "Sussex
Arms" and I am not yet sure whether the two are related.
Behind the "Sussex Hotel" stood the Sussex Mews and the "Sussex
Arms/Shades." By 1834 they had changed the name in honour of a visit from
Princess Victoria and Duchess of Kent - 4th Nov 1834, and gained a Royal
prefix of the "Royal Victoria and Sussex Hotel." The "Sussex Arms/Shades"
name remained unchanged.
I am also informed that this later became the "Swan
Hotel."
The "Royal Victoria And Sussex Hotel" stands in the place of the Sussex
Tavern next to the now Corn Exchange, which was once the theatre, which was
rebuilt in 1801, which could be when they re-built the Hotel that stands
now, the actors used the Tavern prior to the 'Temple of the muses' being
erected.
Sometime between 1830 -1834 it was able to include Royal Victoria into
the name, Victoria, then a princess, frequented the area and stayed at the
hotel.
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Information taken from http://theweald.org (Now closed
web site 2022)
The earliest information we have been able to collect concerning the
theatricals of this place is, that in 1737, an itinerant group of
comedians exhibited here. Afterwards Mr. Smith, better known as
Canterbury Smith, visited it occasionally. He was succeeded in 1753 by
an actor of his company named Peters, who used a room belonging to a
public house not far from the present theatre. About 1770, Mrs. Baker
erected a "Temple to the muses" on Mount Sion, a short distance from
Cumberland House. She occupied this building two seasons only … Mrs.
Baker afterwards pulled down the original theatre on Mount Sion, and
erected a new one partly with the old materials, on the site of some
premises adjoining the Sussex Hotel. But in 1801, finding it much out-of
repair, she determined upon pulling it down, and building a new one upon
a more extensive scale. This was accordingly done, and the present
theatre was opened on the 8th July, 1802. It is a neat building, and, if
properly painted and decorated, its appearance would be superior to most
theatres of a similar size. … The theatre stands in two counties; the
stage being in Sussex and the auditory in Kent.
The management for a few seasons was in the hands of Mr. W. Dowton,
and in 1831 they were taken on lease by Mr. Sloman, who married the
widow of Mr. H. Dowton. Mr. Sloman's lease having expired in 1838, he
resigned the management, and the property is again in the hands of Mr.
W. Dowton, son of the veteran actor. The theatre is open for about three
or four months in the season; and, in addition to the "London stars,"
there is generally a very respectable company.
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From The Morning Chronicle (London, England ) Friday, May 2, 1823; Issue 16859.
SUSSEX HOTEL, TUNBRIDGE WELLS.
The Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, who honour Tunbridge Wells and its
Vicinity with their Patronage, are, with infinite respect, informed that
the New Safety Coach, carrying Four Inside Only, constructed upon an
improved plan, in which ease and security is combined, leaves the "Sussex
Hotel" every afternoon, at four o'clock, through Tunbridge, Seven Oaks,
and Bromley, to the George and Blue Boar Inn, Holborn, London; and
returns from thence at 10 o'clock in the morning, daily.
Proprietors William Smith, Edward Auger, and Co.
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From the Maidstone Gazette and East Kent Courier, 3
July, 1827.
Tunbridge Wells.
This place has, for several days, been in considerable commotion in
consequence of a robbery on Tuesday last, of rather a singular nature.
It appears that Lady Grey Egerton, who has been sometime residing at Mr.
Pegg's, the "Sussex Hotel," had, on retiring for the night, left in her
sitting room, a box, containing jewellery and trinkets of very
considerable value, amongst which were three watches, (one of which
being set round with brilliants was supposed to be worth upwards of 100
guineas,) and about £17 in money, together with a variety of papers. On
entering the room in the morning to breakfast, the first thing she had
occasion to go to was the box in question, went to a great consternation
she found it gone. Her Ladyship immediately questioned her own servants,
who pleaded total ignorance, and consequently Mr. Pegg's domestics were
looked upon with an eye of suspicion. Mr. P. For the credit of himself,
the respectability of his house, and those under his immediate employ,
lost no time, nor spared any expense, to fathom this mysterious affair.
He dispatched a person to Bow Street for an experienced officer, who, in
a few hours was on the spot; but he could not get no clue as to a
discovery, yet said there was no doubt it will be proved to be some
person near at hand. Soon after he had left the Wells, the delinquent
was found out from the following circumstances:- The man servant of
another lady who is also lodging at the hotel, and had but lately come
into her service, had been in the habit of frequenting the dwelling of
Mr. John Mercer, a tailor, near the hotel, whom he had occasionally
employed to work for him. From his knowledge of the premises, having as
well at times "dropt in" for a little chit-chat, it seems he had availed
himself, in the absence of Mr. Mercer, to deposit under his counter, the
identical box which was afterwards missing; but it's contents for
carefully packed and a parcel which she had given to Mr. Mercer in the
morning, with this injunction, "that he wished him to take charge of it,
but on no pretence to open it; if he did, he should know, as he had tied
the string in a particular manner." This was on the Tuesday, the day of
the robbery. The next day Mr. Mercer was from home; but on the following
morning, Thursday, he had to search under his counter for some
materials, when he discovered the empty box. The circumstances of the
robbery then being the topic of conversation and inquiry brought to his
recollection that this very servant had been in his shop on the Tuesday
whilst he was at dinner below stairs; and he therefore drew this
conclusion, that the paper parcel delivered to him about 9 o'clock that
morning, must contain the property missing. The embarrassment a
tradesman must have felt in his situation, at ill-gotten property being
unknowingly secreted on his premises, and deposited in his hands, and
that for a moment he should be considered as accessory to it, caused
some trifling hesitation in what way to make it known. He soon, however,
communicated his suspicions to a friend, and requested him to go to Mr.
Pegg, who, we understand, in the presence of a proper person, opened the
parcel, and found the stolen property carefully packed in different
papers to avoid suspicion. The thief was immediately taken into custody,
and, the same evening, underwent a minute examination before our
magistrates. This day, Friday, was nearly occupied with investigating
the witnesses, which ended in the final conviction of the prisoner to
the County Gaol. From the evidence of Mr. Mercer and the inmates of his
house, it was proved that Mr. M. was totally ignorant of the contents of
the parcel; for when the man gave it him, he expressed surprise at the
injunction delivered with it, and asked "why should you give it to me in
charge?" The reply was made in a very jocose manner. "O, it is only a
trick, and you will find it out tomorrow." Mr. Mercer first took the
parcel upstairs, but soon after threw it into an out-house, supposing
its contents to be something that might prove offensive by keeping it
indoors, and there it was left till the discovery of the box as before
stated, which brought the whole to light. Mr. Mercer was fully acquitted
by the Magistrates, and said they felt great pleasure in assuring him,
that they had not the slightest reason to consider him as a party in
this nefarious transaction. The servant, before the discovery of the
parcel, conducted himself with greatest nonchalance; but since the
investigation he has appeared very penitent, and acknowledges himself to
be the only one who deserves to suffer for deviating from the path of
honesty.
During the whole of this affair, we have felt not a little anxiety for
the situation of Mr. Pegg, who, as proprietor of such an extensive and
respectable establishment as the "Sussex Hotel," must, had it not been
for this very fortunate discovery, have suffered great uneasiness, for
(to say nothing of the great expense has already been at) the credit of
his house, which, till it was thus luckily proved that the robbery was
not committed by any one in his employ, was no doubt subjected to many
censorious opinions, detrimental to that very liberal patronage and
support which he has experienced since taking the Hotel. We presume,
that too much publicity cannot be given to this circumstance in the
event of any erroneous reports getting into circulation, to the
prejudice of Mr. Pegg's establishment.
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From the Kentish Chronicle, 27 July 1827.
Lady Grey, while residing at Pegg's "Sussex Hotel," was robbed in a very
curious manner of a box, containing valuable gold trinkets, and 3 gold
watches, besides £19 in money. Suspicion fell upon Mr. Pegg's
establishment, and that gentleman lost no time in procuring an officer
from Bow Street, but could get no clue to the robber. Soon after he left
the Wells, it was ascertained that the servant of another lady had
entered the room, where the property was deposited, and stolen. To avoid
detection he place the box in the hands of Mr. Mercer, a tailor, with
injunction not to open it, but a report of the robbery having got about
Mr. Mercer examined the box, which proved to belong to Lady Grey. The
servant was committed.
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From the Kentish Weekly Post or Canterbury Journal, Tuesday 21 August 1827.
Saturday, August 18th.
John Rofe, age 21, charged with stealing a box, value £5, containing
several gold watches, chains, seals, and other property, belonging to
Dame Maria Grey Egerton.
It appeared on the 25th June last, lady Egerton (the widow of the late
Sir John Egerton, Bart.) was residing at the "Sussex Hotel," Tunbridge
Wells. Prisoner was servant to Lady Faulkner, who was also staying at
the hotel. In the night of the 25th, prisoner went into the sitting room
of Lady Egerton, and from thence took the box, containing three watches,
&c. In the morning he broke the box open, and tied up the valuables in
brown paper, and left a parcel in the care of Mr. Mercer, a tailor,
requesting him to take care of it. Merca wanted to open the parcel, but
prisoner forbade him to do so, and said it was only a little trunk.
Prisoner went to the shop afterwards more than once, and was seen to go
under the shop board, when, on Thursday morning, Mr. Mercer found the
box that had been stolen.
Investigation ensued, and the property was delivered up to Mr. Pegg.
Prisoner acknowledge his guilt, and said he was tempted suddenly (he
believed of the Devil) to get out of bed, and commit a robbery.
Prisoner was found guilty. His lordship stated that the offence was a
most serious one, but in consequence of prisoners youth, his life would
be spared, but he would be "Transported for the remainder of his
existence."
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From the Morning Advertiser, Tuesday 21 August, 1827.
From the Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser, Tuesday 21 August, 1827.
CROWN SIDE.
John Rofe, age 21, was indicted for stealing, in the dwelling house of
Harry Pegg, jewellery to the value of 40 shillings., at Speldhurst, the
property of Lady Maria Grey Egerton, widow.
Lady Egerton deposed, that she was, on 25th June, residing at the
"Sussex Hotel," Tunbridge Wells. She had a box, containing watches and
other articles; saw it on the 25th of June last, and then locked it up;
she missed it on the following morning; saw the property few days
afterwards.
Eliza Vizer lived chambermaid at the "Sussex Hotel." Lady Faulkner
resided there in June last. The prisoner was her servant. Remember the
loss of the box on Tuesday 26th of June last. Saw the prisoner on that
day with a bundle in his hand; it was tied up in a blue spotted
handkerchief; saw him in his bedroom when he was apprehended on the
following Thursday; several persons were then present; she asked him how
he came to take the box? He replied that he thought the devil was in
him, he got up in the night to do it. Cockshead was there. Nothing was
said to him about confessing before that he said that he went into four
sitting rooms, last of which was Lady Egerton's.
John Mercer, a tailor, of Tunbridge Wells, and his son, deposed that the
prisoner left the box secretly in the house of the former, without their
having any knowledge of it's contents. When, however, they heard of the
loss, and found the box, they gave it up, and told all they knew.
John Cockshead was handcuffed to the prisoner by Hook, the constable;
the prisoner told him that on Tuesday morning something came and nearly
threw him from his bed, and he awoke with the impression that he must
commit a robbery; he went to several rooms before he could see anything
which would suit him. He, however, at last found the box, and took it to
his own room, where it took him some time to open it, which he at length
accomplish with a knife.
Harry Pegg, landlord of the "Sussex Hotel," deposed that some of his
apartments were in the county of Sussex, and some in the parish of
Speldhurst, Kent. The robbery was committed in the county of Kent.
Produced the property, consisting of a £5 Bank note, three gold watches,
and appendages, to a great value. They were all identified by Lady
Egerton.
The prisoner, on being called on for his defence, replied that the
constable had given him to understand that if he confessed, and restored
the property, her ladyship would say nothing further about it.
The constables was called, but was not in attendance.
Mr. Pollock here stated, from Lady Grey Egerton, that she had intimated
to the constable that if the property was restored she had no wish to
prosecute; but this prosecution was at the instance of Mr. Pegg, the
landlord of the "Sussex Hotel," the robbery having taken place in his
house.
The prisoner called several witnesses to character.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty, and the learner judge ordered
sentence of death to be recorded.
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From the South Eastern Gazette, 21 August 1827.
John Roth, 21, blacksmith, for stealing a box, value 5 shillings, a gold
watch, chain, and seals, value £20, and divers other article, the
property of Dame Maria Grey Egerton, at Speldhurst.
Lady Maria grey Egerton, on the 25th of June, was residing at the
"Sussex Hotel," Tunbridge Wells; on the evening of that day her Ladyship
had a box containing the property in question. Her Ladyship was the
widow of Sir John Grey Egerton, Bart.
Eliza Vizor, chambermaid at the "Sussex Hotel" examined. In June last,
Lady Falconer was residing at the Hotel. Prisoner was her ladyship's
servant. On the 26th June, between 12 and half past 1 o0'clock she saw
prisoner with a bundle tied up in a handkerchief. He was going towards
the Tap. On the following Thursday, she saw him in his bedroom with
other person's. She asked him how he came to do it? He said he thought
the devil was in him for he got up in the night to do it. He went into
No. 7, 9, 10, and 11, bedrooms. No. 11 was Lady Egerton's sitting room.
John Mercer, the Younger, son of Mr. Mercer, tailor at Tunbridge Wells,
had known Prisoner a month before the box was stolen. Prisoner called of
witnesses house on a Tuesday, with a brown paper parcel. He asked for a
bit of string too tie it around. This was about 10 o'clock in the
morning. He took a piece of string from a cupboard and tied the parcel
up. Witness saw him again the same day at the shop. He then brought a
bundle tied up in a blue spotted handkerchief. He asked with this if he
had dined, and being told that he was at dinner prisoner desired him to
go down and finish his dinner. Witness came up again in 10 minutes, and
prisoner was then gone. Next morning about 9 o'clock under the shop
board witness and a bundle. Between 11 and 12 o'clock prisoner came in.
He said "I am come for my great coat." He then got under the shop board,
and brought his great coat. He was longer in doing so than was
necessary. He went away with his coat. On Thursday morning witness saw
his father looking for a bit of canvas in the shred box, under the board
shop board; his father there found the box. About 5 o'clock, prisoner
called again and asked for witness's father, and ask witness to go for
him. Witness said he did not know where to go for him. Prisoner went
into the passage and asked Mrs. Mercer where her husband was. He then
came into the shop and witness told him that his father had found a box
beneath the board. Witness's father came in and said "Is there anything
under my board that belongs to you John." He said yes. Mercer then asked
what were the contents of the paper parcel? Prisoner said "It is the
contents of the box." Prisoner then went away. He was taken into custody
that day. The box and parcel were put into the hands of Mr. Pegg. When
witness told prisoner the box was found, he cried and said "it is all
over."
Mr. Mercer, senior, tailor, deposed that prisoner came into his shop on
a Tuesday in June, laughing, and asking for a piece of string, with
which he tied up a parcel. He called witness into the passage and asked
him to take care of the parcel; witness wanted to know what was in it,
but prison replied "no! no! it's only a bit of a trick. Witness took it
and said he should open it. prisoner told him not to do so, adding if he
did open it he should know as he had tied it with a curious know.
Witnessed took it up into his room at night; witness thought it might
contain something unpleasant, and took the parcel into and outhouse. On
Thursday morning witness found a box under the shop board. He came about
5 o'clock in the afternoon and witness said "John is there anything
under my board, belonging to you?" He said "yes a small box," and on
witness asking what was in the parcel he said "the contents of that
box." Witness said "good God, John how came you to do such a thing as
this?" He replied, the devil must have possessed him; it was all over
with him and what witness had split against him. He asked witness to let
him take the things away but witness said "Good God, can you make my
hands clean by taking it away when you have made me and my son
accomplices to you?" Witness would not let him have the things and
afterwards mentioned the fact of John Coxey. He mentioned to Mr. Pegg,
the box and parcel, and Mr. Pegg took them away from witnesses house.
In answer to a question from his Lordship witness said he heard of the
robbery on Wednesday morning.
John Coxey, on Thursday saw Mr. Mercer, and he told witness something,
in consequence of which witness went to Mr. Pegg. They went to Mercer
and received from him a box and parcel. Witness had prisoner in his
charge after the latter had been taken. Prisoner told him that on
Tuesday morning about 3 o'clock, something threw him from his bed and
told him he must go and commit a robbery. He said, "he went to two or
three rooms before he could see anything that would suit him, but that
in No. 11 he took with box and conveyed it to his room. In the morning
he opened it with a key and knife."
Mr. Pegg proprietor of the "Sussex" deposed, that the Hotel is part in
Frant, Sussex, and some in Staplehurst, Kent. Number 11, is in
Staplehurst. On the 28th June, witness received a parcel from Mr.
Mercer. Witness produced a box and parcel in brown paper.
Lady Egerton deposed to the contents of the parcel, and the box being
those stolen on the night in question.
Prisoner then called for his defence and said the constable told him
that if her ladyship got the things she would not take any more notice
of the affair.
Mr. Iggulden, shoemaker, of Cranbrook, had known prisoner from a child,
and gave him an excellent character.
Major Austen did not know prisoner, but he knew his father who were very
respectable people.
Verdict:- Guilty - His lordship told prisoner that is youth induced him
to spare his life, but he must expect to be sent out of the country
forever.
For more information about the Rofe family
Click Here.
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From the Transcript, HO 17/98/43 – National Archives (UK).
John Rolfe - Refused - 23/Nov/1827
To His Most Gracious Majesty. The Humble Petition of John Rolfe.
Father of John Rolfe a Convict now under sentence of Transportation for
Felony.
Most Respectfully Sheweth.
That the said John Rolfe then living with Lady Faulkner, as Footman, at the
"Sussex Hotel," Tunbridge Wells, in a moment of Intoxication, purloined several
articles of Jewellery from Lady Grey Egerton, who was likewise residing at the
said hotel, and for this offense was apprehended, and tried at the Maidstone
Assizes last August, when sentence of Death was recorded and the said sentence
commuted to Transportation for life.
The Father is most anxious from the good character the Prisoner has heretofore
to obtain if possible, through the well known clemency of your Majesty, a
further commutation of his sentence, more particularly as it was his first and
only offence, and as a proof of his good conduct up to the unfortunate period of
the Robbery, certificates are herewith enclosed from Mr. Cooper, and others, in
whose service the prisoner lived previous to the act in question being
committed.
The Prisoner from his extreme youth, being only 21 years of age, was Induced to
commit the depredation when in a state of Intoxication, without the least
Intention of making away with the property, which in fact was immediately
restored to the Prosecutrix, and under this Impression it is most humbly hoped,
that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to extend the Royal Clemency
towards the unfortunate youth, and your, his afflicted Father, as in duty bound
will ever pray.
John Rolfe,
Blacksmith.
Cranbrook,
Kent.
* * * *
We the undersigned having employ'd John Rolfe now a convict and under sentence
of transportation for life, beg most respectfully to state that during the time
he was in our service, his conduct was mark'd by every attention to his duty,
and we always found him to act with strict honesty and sobriety while so engaged
—
Mr. ? Cooper - Proprietor of Batts Hotel Dover st.
Tom(?) Willis of the Rose & Crown Inn Wimbledon
Francis Fenton St. James's ?
? Hodgins(?) Queens Head Tavern
* * * *
London ?
16 November 1827
My Lord
Mr Cooper of Batts Hotel, Dover street, having solicited me, to get the enclosed
Petition laid before His Most Gracious Majesty; tho[ugh] wishing to forward the
objects, I could not attempt to effect it thro[ugh] any other channel than your
Lordship; having the honor to be known to Your Lordship, only lately, ? the
liberty of soliciting Your Lordship[']s favourable recommendation of the same to
His Majesty, which will very much oblige.
Your Lordship[']s,
Most Obedient, and ? ?,
John Meyer.
To The Most Noble
? Marquis of Lansdown
Secretary of State L L L(?)
* * * *
My Lord
I trust your Lordship will deign to listen to the petition of the Sister of an
unfortunate young man, by the name of John Rofe, who now lies at Sheerness,
under sentence of transportation for life, for a robbery committed on the
property of Lady Grey Egerton, his senses being at the time overpowered with
liquor, She most humbly begs Your Lordship would intercede for a mitigation of
his punishment, till now he has never strayed from the paths of honesty, and
many respectable persons can be brought forward to speak on behalf of his former
good character.
Indeed he is now penitent for his past crime and should Your Lordship kindly
listen to this humble petition an unhappy family would once more be restored to
happiness, trusting to Your Lordship[']s benevolence.
I am
Your Lordship[']s
Most obedient humble Servant
Martha Rofe
Servant of the Right Honble
the Speaker of the House of Commons
October 12th 1827
* * * *
County Gaol,
Maidstone 2nd Dec
1827.
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note relative to John Rofe and enclose
herewith the newspaper report of his trial from which you will probably be able
to collect the desired information.
The young man certainly was never before in custody at this place and I should
hope, indeed I have no reason to suppose but this may have been his first
offence.
I have the honor to be
Sir
your obedient Servt
Thomas Agar,
Keeper
? ? ? ? Esq(?)
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From the Maidstone Gazette and East Kent Courier, 23 November, 1830.
On Friday last the magistrates invited the officers, belonging to the
troop of horse, stationed in this town, to a grand dinner at the "Sussex
Hotel." The excellent band attached to the troop played some lively
tunes, and the evening was spent with the greatest hilarity.
A Court Martial assembled on Saturday at the "Sussex Hotel" for the
trial of a sergeant belonging to the cavalry, for a breach of
discipline. After a very full investigation, the Court decided, that the
delinquent should have his stripes cut off, and, the following morning,
the sentence was carried into effect in the presence of the corps.
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From the South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 17 October, 1837.
THE COURT FOR RELIEF OF INSOLVENT DEBTORS.
James Gillett, formerly of the "White Lion Inn," Locks Bottom, in
the parish of Farnborough, in the county of Kent, licensed victualler; then of Croyden, in the county of Surrey, out of
business; and late of the "Sussex Hotel," Tunbridge Wells," in the
parish of Tonbridge, in the county of Kent, Stage Coach,
Book-keeper.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 24 January 1843.
Court of Inquiry.
On Saturday week, a Court of Inquiry was held at the Sessions House,
Maidstone, before W. Palmer, jun., Esq., agent for the Under
Sheriff, and a respectable jury. Four extents had been issued
against certain hop-planters for the non-payment of duty, damages
for which were accorded against the parties. In the case of Mr.
Whitmarsh, of the "Sussex Hotel," Tonbridge Wells, judgment was
opposed by Mr. Horne. It appeared that a fiat of Bankruptcy has been
issued against the defendant, and an official assignee appointed who
had put a party in possession of the property. An attorney, whose
name we did not learn, proved the assignees had first obtained
possession, and before execution had been granted to the Excise. On
the contrary, Mr. Payne Supervisor of Excise at Tonbridge Wells,
proved that judgment was obtained by him about one o’clock on
Monday, the 2nd of January, from which time the extent bears date.
The attorney for the assignees proved that judgment had been given,
and the official assignees appointed between twelve and one o’clock
on the day in question. In consequence of its being so nice a point,
the assignees ultimately agreed to pay the duty, £109, into the
agent’s hands, subject to the decision of a superior court, the
Excise in the meantime to give up possession to the assignees.
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From the Kentish Gazette, 24 November 1846.
Tonbridge Wells. The "Sussex Hotel" Opening Dinner.
On Wednesday week a splendid banquet was given at the "Sussex
Hotel," to celebrate the commencement of the career of its new and
spirited occupier, Mr. Slater, jun., late of Brighton. The manner in
which his friends rallied round him on this occasion must have been
highly gratifying to the new landlord of this magnificent
establishment, and is, we trust, indicative of the manner in which
he is about to be supported in his new undertaking. We took the
opportunity of inspecting the house, and can, from personal
examination, pronounce it to be replete with every comfort and
accommodation, being furnished from top to bottom, throughout its
score of sitting-rooms, and some sixty bed-rooms, in the most
elegant manner. The noble banqueting hall was lighted with gas, for
the first time, and presented a very brilliant aspect. Nearly two
hundred gentlemen assembled at dinner, including many of Mr.
Slater’s friends from Brighton. The chair was taken by T. Selby,
Esq., of Malling, and the vice-chairs by Dr. Trustram, of Tonbridge
Wells, and W. Catt, Esq., of Brighton. The dinner was got up in
elegant style, the table being graced with venison, presented by the
noble owner of the property, the Earl of Abergavenny.
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From the South Eastern Gazette, Tuesday 1 September, 1857.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS. MR. WOODIE'S "OLIO OF ODDITIES."
Mr. W. S. Woodin, the popular polygraphist, gave an entertainment at
the "Royal Sussex Hotel," on Wednesday evening last, and a second on
the following morning, much to the satisfaction of the crowded
audiences which assembled to hear them.
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From the Sussex Advertiser, Tuesday 5 October 1858.
The Swedish National Singers, with Madal.
Humla, the noted violinist, who were here a week or two ago, paid us
another visit this week, performing twice at the "Sussex Hotel," on
Wednesday. The morning concert was well attended, but the evening
attendance was poor. On the former visit many were turned away at
the evening performance. The present concerts were as satisfactory
as the former.
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Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser, Monday 14 December 1868.
Optical Wonders.
This was the title of a very interesting lecture delivered by Mr.
Joshua Smith, at the "Sussex Hotel" assembly room on Monday evening
last. The audience was a large one. The Rev. F. W. Stowe occupied
the chair, in the unavoidable absence of the Rev. E. Hoare.
The lecture consisted chiefly of a series of experiments to show the
recent discoveries in electricity and spectrum analysis. The
lecturer gave an account of the late discoveries of solar chemistry
- the voltaic battery and experiments, illustrating its remarkable
heating and luminous properties, electric lamp, it's uses in
lighthouses, &c.; experiment showing the different coloured bands
produced in the spectrum by the luminous vapours of metals, and
experiments to illustrate the startling announcement of a "World on
fire," showing, what is now generally believed that many of the
phenomenon existed in our earth also exist in the sun and stars. The
lecture was of a very instructive character, and was very
attentively listen to.
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From the Kent and Sussex Courier 6 June, 1873. Price 1d.
LONDON ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH.
To Investors and Others.
MESSRS James H Richardson & Son have been directed by the Proprietor,
to Submit to PUBLIC COMPETITION, at the "Sussex Hotel," Tunbridge Wells,
on FRIDAY, June 27th, 1873,
At 3 for 4 o'clock, in FOUR LOTS,
various VALUABLE FREEHOLD, Substantially-erected DWELLING-HOUSES, with
Commodious Shops, and VILLA RESIDENCES, eligibly situate, as above; full
particulars whereof in due time may be obtained of Messrs. Pearless and
Sons, Solicitors, East Grinstead, or of the Auctioneers and Surveyors,
1, Wilton Place, Tunbridge Wells.
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Kent & Sussex Courier, Wednesday 16 December 1874.
LICENSING.
At the request of Mr. Henry Steed, of the "Royal Sussex Hotel," the
Bench granted him an extra hour, on the occasion of the Earl of
Abergavenny’s Rent Audit, on Thursday evening.
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LICENSEE LIST
FRY Mrs 1790+ (Sussex Tavern)
SMITH William & AUGER Edward & Co 1823+
PEGG Harry 1827-32+
 (
Royal Sussex Hotel)
GILLETT James pre 1837
WHITMARSH Mr to 1842 bankrupt
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
 Census
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