Tonbridge Town Defences

Description

Licence to enclose the town of Tonbridge with a wall, and to crenellate it, was granted by Henry III in 1259. None of the wall survives but parts of the ditch remain and the whole of the course maybe traced. The enclosure is completed by the Medway on the south and a tributary stream on the west. Some of the water from the latter may have been diverted to fill part, at least, of the ditch (Simpson; VCH). Short stretches of the inner bank, sometimes reduced to an outward facing scarp, with traces of the ditch, are visible here and there in open parts of the town (F1 ASP 28-JAN-63). A clay bank c. 10 metres wide and standing c. 4.5 metres high without revetment was uncovered. A shallow ditch, c. 6 metres wide and 2.5 metres deep, lay outside. The presence of more material in the bank than could have been excavated from the ditch suggests that the defences may be contemporary with the diversion of the river, probably in the middle 13th century. The suggested position of the medieval gate, adjacent to High Street, was also excavated and the front face of the bank was located; there was no evidence of the gate, which presumably lies under the present road (various 1970's archaeological reports). (PastScape)

The town might have been walled largely through the efforts of its lord because of its importance as a caput of the honour of Clare rather than a strategic centre. (Turner)

Comments

A town wall was licensed in 1259. Murage granted 1318.