In 1688, Princess Anne of Denmark was at Tunbridge-Wells … This princess several seasons successively honoured the place with her presence, and was a great benefactress to it. She gave the bason to the spring called the "Queen's-well" which is situated on the left hand as you enter the area, and distinguished from the other by its iron bars

In 1698 her royal highness took her son, the young Duke of Glocester with her to the Wells, and was made sensible of the utility of paving the walks by a fall which he got; in his play with other children. … she left money for this purpose … her royal highness returned to the Wells before any progress was made. This neglect very much disgusted the princess, who thereupon instantly quitted the place … but before she went, she took effectual methods to have the pavement carried on with proper diligence.

On the accession of this princess to the throne of Great Britain, the inhabitants of Tunbridge-Wells, … planted the "Queen's-grove" on the common, for a growing monument of gratitude to their royal and generous benefactress.

Her present Majesty [Queen Victoria], with her royal mother, the Duchess of Kent, having frequently honored Tunbridge Wells by residing there in the season, chiefly at Calverley House, the inhabitants were anxious to afford them a growing proof of their attachment and gratitude. At a meeting of the Freeholders of Rusthall Common, in the autumn of 1834, it was considered that the most appropriate record of their feelings would be shewn in planting a Grove on the common, adjoining Queen Anne's Grove, to be called the Victoria Grove. … [and] on Thursday, the 12th of February, 1835, soon after one o'clock, notwithstanding the torrents of rain which were then falling, the committee of management with the magistrates, and a great number of the inhabitants, preceded by the local band, went in procession from the upper assembly room to the spot selected for the new grove. Precisely at half-past one, William Scoones, Esq. as representative of the Lord of the Manor of Rusthall, planted the first tree, a Lime, and spoke to the following effect :- " In the name and on behalf of Thomas Christopher Gardner, Esq. I plant this tree, being the first of a series of trees to be called the Royal Victoria Grove; and I hope they may flourish for ever and ever, as well as their Royal Patroness." Three cheers were then given, and the band played the national anthem. … On the evening of the 12th upwards of two hundred of the clergy, magistrates, gentry, and inhabitants dined at the Upper Assembly Rooms in celebration of the event. The grove is 550 feet long and 50 feet wide, and consists of three rows of trees, Elms, Limes, and Sycamores - the trees being planted 12 feet apart.