The town of Tonbridge stands at a point where the Saxons built a bridge across the River Medway. For much of its existence, the town remained to north of the river, since the land south was subject to extensive flooding. One part of the town is still called 'Dryhill'.

Tonbridge was recorded in the Domesday Book 1087 as Tonebrige, which may indicate a bridge belonging to the estate or manor (from the Old English tun), or alternatively a bridge belonging to Tunna, a common Anglo-Saxon man's name. In the late 1800s, the 'Tonbridge' name was actually known as Tunbridge: old maps prior to this date show it as such, as do an 1871 map and contemporary issues of the Bradshaw railway guide. In the late 1890s/early 1900s, this was changed to Tonbridge by the Royal Mail as it caused confusion with Tunbridge Wells, a much more recent town. The latter has always spelt its name that way.

An 11th Century castle was built here by Richard Fitz Gilbert, a nobleman in William the Conqueror's invading army. The town was besieged by William Rufus, soon after his accession to the throne, the lord of the manor having pledged allegiance to William's brother, Robert. It was afterwards taken by King John, during his conflict with barons and was subsequently besieged by Prince Edward, son of Henry III. On this occasion the besieged garrison burnt the town rather than see it fall. The town and Tonbridge Castle were rebuilt after this and in the 13th century became an official residence and records repository of Edward II. At that time, Tonbridge was intended to be a medieval walled town. Walls were never built however, probably because the castle's large bailey could have easily accommodated the town's populace in times of strife. A surrounding bank and ditch known as The Fosse was erected, although only traces of this encircling defence now remain. The historic core of the town still contains a large number of working buildings dating from the 15th Century. During the Civil War the town was on the Parliamentarian side and a Royalist attempt to take it was repulsed.

In 1740, the River Medway was made navigable to Tonbridge, allowing such materials as hops and timber to be carried down river to Maidstone and London. Some of the buildings and the wharves are still recognisable today, downstream of the bridge.

Later, the town and its surrounds became famous for the production of finely inlaid wooden cabinets, boxes and other objects called Tunbridgeware. Another speciality is the production of cricket balls.

Famous people and events

Tonbridge made national and international headlines in the summer of 2004 when it staged an open-top bus parade for Dame Kelly Holmes to celebrate her double Olympic gold success. Over 40,000 people were estimated to have packed Tonbridge town centre and lined the route from nearby Hildenborough, roughly equivalent to the combined population of both, and more than twice the numbers who attended the subsequent parade in central London for all of the medallists.

The 2007 Tour de France will pass through the centre of Tonbridge on 8th July, as part of the first stage (London to Canterbury). The riders will climb Quarry Hill at the south of the town, a Grade 4 climb.

The boxer Sir Henry Cooper also lives in the adjoining village of Hildenborough. The cricketer Frank Woolley was born in Tonbridge in 1887 and many famous people were educated in Tonbridge, including Bob Woolmer at Yardley Court and the members of the famous pop/rock band Keane at Tonbridge School.

Securitas depot robbery

Tonbridge was also the location of the largest cash theft in British criminal history. On 22 February 2006, over £53.1 million was stolen from the Securitas Cash-handling Depot in Vale Road to the east of the High Street. The robbery is currently under investigation, a large amount of the money has been recovered, and several people have been charged.