Four new heritage plaques and a new trail map will help local residents and visitors discover more about the people, places, and stories that have shaped Hawkhurst’s unique heritage.
Project background
Early in 2024, as part of a community led project, Hawkhurst residents were asked to take part in a survey to discover how they would like to celebrate and preserve the unique heritage stories of Hawkhurst. One idea, suggested by a number of people, was to produce more heritage plaques.
The original 16 plaques, created in 2009, were part of a similar project between the local history society and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The plaques celebrate prominent people and cultural landmarks of Hawkhurst and are located in central Hawkhurst and the local surrounding area. It felt the right time to add four more plaques to the trail and to update the map.
Four new plaques
Over 50 suggestions were submitted, these were then filtered down to a shortlist of nine. A panel of residents, Councillors, and Amelia staff came to together to discuss and vote on the final four. Those chosen were:
Babies Castle – Originally built as a Dr Barnardo’s home for babies and children under 5, the building no longer exists and is now the site of Hawkhurst House Care Home.
Lillesden House – Built as a home for Edward Lloyd, High Sherrif of Kent, it became a hospital during WW2, was a prep school until 1998, and finally converted into flats.
Fanny Hopkins (1834-1914) – a former (and possibly the first women) bank agent who lived and worked at Highgate House.
John Hunt (1937-2023) – a Parish Councillor, Scout leader, and photographer who was involved in many community projects.
Illustrated trail map
Local illustrator Imogen Partridge was commissioned to design a new map highlighting the heritage plaque locations, including the four new ones. The map is a useful tool to discover more about the history of Hawkhurst. Most of the trail can be accessed by foot, with a few sites best reached by bike or car.
The new plaques have been installed around Hawkhurst, together with interpretation panels at The Moor and Highgate featuring Imogen’s illustrated map. An online version of the map, which includes longer descriptions of the people and places on the trail, is now available.
