A modern purpose built conference centre in the heart of historic Kent.
Known for its historic castle and prestigious boarding school, Tonbridge has birthed, educated and been visited by many well-recognised names throughout its history.
From William the Conqueror, giving Tonbridge to his kinsman Richard FitzGilbert, Henry VIII being the Lord of its castle and George Austin (born in Tonbridge), whose daughter Jane is better known to us. Novelists E.M.Forster as well as Fredrick Forsythe were both educated at Tonbridge School, and more recently Tonbridge won attention through Kelly Holmes, a previous pupil of Hugh Christie Comprehensive School, Tonbridge and her achievement as a double Olympic gold medalist.
Throughout the history of Tonbridge there is evidence of iron making, cutlery making and bell foundry, as well as gunpowder production in nearby Leigh. The canalising of the River Medway meant that Tonbridge became a historic centre for trade as goods were transported to and from London using the river – Tonbridge being the highest landing point for goods arriving by sea via Chatham.
Tonbridge continues to retain its strategic position being just minutes from the M25, linking to Gatwick and Heathrow airport; M26 and M20 to Folkestone and Dover, and more locally the A21 to Hastings. With Tonbridge’ mainline rail network, transport links continue to strengthen across Kent down to the coast, up to London and around the South East.
In the heart of Tonbridge, The River Centre exists as an inspirational venue where businesses can meet to create their own history as they move ahead into the vision they have for the future.
