It is thought that there are only 86 places in Great Britain with a Royal connection in their name.
The most notable towns that have a Royal link contain the word “Royal” in them – and one such is Royal Tunbridge Wells on the 1066 Hastings to Tonbridge Community Rail Line.
Tunbridge Wells obtained its Royal prefix in 1909 when King Edward VII officially recognised the popularity of the town and its connections to many royal and aristocratic visitors down the years. They included his mother, Queen Victoria, who visited as a 15-year-old in 1834. It is reported that from early morning the streets were packed and flags flew above many buildings. Church bells rang out while bands played the national anthem and other patriotic tunes.
We are highlighting the modern Royal connection in the run-up to the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, by promoting the green credentials of train travel in line with the monarch’s commitment to the environment.
We have calculated that taking a train from central London to Tunbridge Wells station emits 74% less in greenhouse gases than driving a petrol car on the same route.
:: The other places with “Royal” in the name are Royal Leamington Spa and Royal Wootton Bassett.
