The first Stuart King, James I , came to the throne in 1603. He was already King James the Sixth of Scotland. He united Scotland and England under one king.

Under attack!

Civil war 1642-1651

The people fought over religion and about who should rule the country. Should it be a king or parliament.

The Castle was strengthened and garrisoned. Gun platforms, look-out posts and sheds for the gunners were erected.

Thomas Weller, who owned it at that time, was a Parliamentarian.

In 1646, the castle was slighted (destroyed) and its defences dismantled.

The Royalists lost the civil war in 1651.

Occupations 1660 - 70

Half of Tonbridge's population worked on the land.
27 people were clothiers and shoe makers
22 worked in general services ( midwife to blacksmith)
16 Food and Drink
11 building
11 Cloth making
1 school master
3 doctors

1671 - the town was granted the right to hold a cattle market every week. The cattle market was very popular and became one of the most important in Kent with cattle and sheep being driven to London from Tonbridge.

1710 - First turnpike road. People had to pay money (a toll) to travel along the roads into and out of Tonbridge. The money was used to improve the conditions of the roads.

Other UK notable events during this time

1605 - Guy Fawkes and other catholics try to blow up the houses of parliament.

1606 - Union Flag adopted as the National flag.

1666 - Great Fire of London