Find your ancestors in Tunbridge Wells Congregational Baptisms

Explore these congregational baptisms from 1868 to 1908. Discover your ancestor’s mother and father’s names and their residence, which is an excellent source for families who may have moved often. These records comprise of 365 baptisms within the period of August 1863 to November 1908.

Tunbridge Wells in located in western Kent, 40 miles south-east of the capital. It became popular as a spa retreat in the 17th century. Its Chalybeate Spring was said to have healing powers. The spring’s powers were discovered by Dudley Lord North in 1606. Royal Tunbridge Wells was given its Royal title in 1909 by King Edward VII because of its popularity among the royal family. It is one of three towns in England to own the ‘royal’ prefix.

During the 19th century many Protestant nonconformists found support in Kent. Congregational Churches practiced congregational governance. They are independent and autonomous. Early Congregationalists were called separatists or independents. The Tunbridge Wells Congregational Church initiated building in 1845 on Mount Pleasant – it also became known as the Mount Pleasant Congregational Church. In 1866, a grand Tuscan temple portico was built on to the front of the Church, giving it a very distinctive look. A lecture hall was added at the same time.