Four thousand years ago much of the south-east corner of England was covered in thick forest and marsh. A river, now known as the River Medway, ran through this huge forest. Only a few sections of the river could be crossed, and one of these places was where Tonbridge is today.

River Medway as it might have looked 4,000 years ago

The river played an important part in why people settled in the area now known as Tonbridge. The river crossing provided the shortest track between the Iron Age forts on Oldbury Hill (near Ightham) and Castle Hill ( A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury). The river itself provided a constant supply of fresh water and fish for the people and animals living near by.

Many animals roamed the hills to the north and south of the river. Deer and boar (wild pig) meant food for the new settlers. The forest trees provided fuel for warmth and cooking as well the material needed to build shelters.

The Celts

The first people to settle in and around Tonbridge were farmers. Growing their own crops and keeping their own animals meant that they could make sure they had enough food to eat.

Staying in one place instead of moving around hunting for food meant that the people could build better shelters to keep warm and dry.

The first settlers around Tonbridge lived in round houses, much like the one you can see below. The walls were made of sticks woven together. To protect the house from the weather the woven sticks were covered in mud. Straw was used to cover the roof. A fire would burn in the middle of the house to keep the people warm.

These round houses helped to keep the people safe, warm and dry.

An Iron Age Round house

Click here to find out more about the Celts and how they lived

Archaeological Evidence

An Iron Age coin dating to 50 BC to 50 AD was found in Tonbridge in the early twentieth century.