The Weald of Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Adams Well    Broadwater Forest  Tunbridge Wells  

Books and other documents
PublishedTitle, author and references
1766The History of Tunbridge Wells by Thomas Benge Burr ⇒ p. 50
1797The Tunbridge Wells Guide by J. Sprange ⇒ p. 34
1840New Guide for Tunbridge Wells by John Colbran and edited by James Phippen ⇒ p. 46

Historical records

1670HistoryAdams WellBurr's Tunbridge Wells

On the forest beyond the Rocks, a spring of water was discovered, which was paled in and called Adam's-Well. For what particular reason this spring was then taken such notice of, it is not now very easy to determine. At present [1766] it is only famous for the cure of mangy dogs.


1768HistoryAdam's WellColbran's Tunbridge Wells

In the winter of 1768, a Mr Pinchbeck purchased the lands around Adam's Well.

The virtues of the water are said to have been "To cure the leprous and the lame," … These, or similar qualities, Mr. Pinchbeck expected to find in the water at Adam's Well, and from a host of cures effected by them, it would appear that his expectations were not disappointed. He built a cottage, a stone bath, with an outside bath for the benefit of the poor, and one for dogs and horses. He declared also that the baths and waters should be free for the use of the public, proposing no profits to himself beyond selling the water in London, and the advantages to be derived from the increased company it would bring to the Wells. How far this speculation answered the proprietor's purpose, or when the use of the water was discontinued, cannot be ascertained, but the well itself still remains in one of the most romantic spots that can be imagined, within a quarter of a mile of the High Rocks.


2nd Apr 1871CensusJohn G Brookes, M, Head, married, age 60, born Brighton, Sussex; occupation: railway porterJohn G Brooks, signalmanAdams Well Crossing1871 Census
Frant and Tunbridge Wells, Sussex
Caroline Brookes, F, Wife, married, age 50, born Bishopstone, Sussex; occupation: railway porter's wifeCaroline Brooks
Cordelia Rusbridge, F, Granddaughter, age 4, born Brighton, Sussex; occupation: scholarCordelia Rusbridge

2nd Apr 1871CensusGeorge Richards, M, Head, married, age 29, born Piltdown, Sussex; occupation: railway platelayerGeorge Richards, railway platelayerAdams Well Crossing1871 Census
Frant and Tunbridge Wells, Sussex
Elizabeth Richards, F, Wife, married, age 23, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: railway platelayer's wifeElizabeth Richards
Amos Richards, M, Son, age 1, born Frant, SussexAmos Richards

2nd Apr 1871CensusLawrence Mercer, M, Lodger, single, age 42, born Brenchley, Kent; occupation: farm labourerLawrence MercerAdams Well Crossing1871 Census
Frant and Tunbridge Wells, Sussex

c 1875Broadwater Forest, Eridge - c 1875Part of the 6 inch to 1 mile map of Sussex produced in 1875 by Ordnance SurveyAdams Well

3rd Apr 1881CensusAlfred West, M, Head, married, age 36, born Croydon; occupation Railway PorterAlfred WestAdams Well Railway Crossing1881 Census
Frant, Sussex
Jane West, F, Wife, married, age 37, born LancingJane West
Ellen Sarah West, F, Daughter, age 10, born Surrey; occupation ScholarEllen Sarah West
Edward Hyder, M, Visitor, single, age 23, born Crowborough; occupation: farm labourerEdward Muggridge Hider, farm labourer

3rd Apr 1881CensusGeorge Phillips, M, Head, married, age 44, born Barcombe; occupation Railway PlatelayerGeorge PhillipsAdams Well Railway Crossing1881 Census
Frant, Sussex
Harriett Phillips, F, Wife, married, age 32, born WithyhamHarriett Phillips
Clara Phillips, F, Daughter, age 7, born Frant; occupation ScholarClara Phillips
Adelaide Phillips, F, Daughter, age 4, born Kent; occupation ScholarAdelaide Phillips

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