History on your own doorstep – Heritage Open Days: 12th – 15th September 2013
What is a historic building? It can be a prominent landmark for which the area is well known, such as the Cranbrook windmill. But often, it can be an unobtrusive building in the local landscape that escapes much notice – one that long standing residents walk past every day with barely a passing glance. Every September, Heritage Open Days gives you the chance to pause, discover something of your local neighbourhood, and maybe even get behind a familiar but closed door. The event is not just about buildings but also features many activities that bring to life the stories and traditions of communities and neighbourhoods. For a number of years, various venues in and around Tunbridge Wells have participated in Heritage Open Days and a programme of around forty venues and events is being planned for the weekend of 12-15 September 2013. Everyone is certain to discover something new and fascinating about the local area.
Visit the grand mansion of Somerhill, on the edge of Tonbridge, once the second largest house in the county or the tiny manorial pound for stray animals (pigs were a particular problem in Georgian Tunbridge Wells). Learn more about the Mount Ephraim area enjoyed by Charles II’s Queen Catherine of Braganza when she visited Tunbridge Wells exactly 350 years ago. Complement that by finding out about the Bounds estate on the borders of Bidborough and Southborough where Queen Catherine stayed for three months with her tented retinue. See a traditional craft being kept alive in the twenty first century as a top young blacksmith in Horsmonden demonstrates the skills of an industry which has operated in his village for centuries.
The majority of walks and venues require no pre booking, Where bookings are needed some open for bookings as soon as websites are live and leaflets available, while others start booking on Tuesday 26 August. Look out for leaflets in libraries and council offices from mid-August onwards or check out the national and local websites.
www.heritageopendays.org.ukwww.tunbridgewellsheritageopendays.org
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