Thanet Advertiser, Tuesday 10 February 1942.

Old Tonbridge.

Reminiscences of old Tonbridge were given to members of the Tonbridge Rotary Club on Thursday by Mr. J. W. Little, well known for his research work in the county.

In 1788 an organ was erected in the church, and Mr. Dewhurst was appointed organist. That gentleman also brought the Town Mills for £20,000. Then 1789 Mr. Thomas Beeching opened a linen drapers shop at the bottom of Church Lane, and the history of the rise of a firm to bankers had been recorded.

In 1791 the building which subsequently became the Corn Exchange and the Drill Hall was built, and near-by was the public house, the "Bear with the Ragged Staff," which was now Baker's Garage.