At the time of the start of World War Two, Tonbridge was a rural town with a cattle market and a separate Saturday market. It also had three cinemas and a skating rink. The Sports Ground had been built replacing the old Race Course, a popular venue at the turn of the century for horse races.

Tonbridge prepares for War

The Castle

Nearly 900 years from its first construction, the castle was put into action to defend the town once more.This time is was used as part of a defensive line against possible German invasion in World War 2. Anti-tank defences and a machine-gun emplacement were constructed, and two pillboxes built were into the walls.

Prisoner of War Camp

During World War II a Prisoner of War Camp was built on the junction of Tudeley Lane and Pembury Road on land belonging to Somerhill. The site is now occupied by the Weald of Kent Girls' Grammar School.

The POW camp was used to house both German pilots whom had been shot down, and also captured Italian soldiers.

After the war the camp was used as temporary housing for people made homeless by the Blitz.

Bomb

In June 1941 a V1 bomb landed near Ferox Hall.