The Weald of Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Swiss Cottage  Culverden Park  St Johns  Tunbridge Wells  

Books and other documents
PublishedTitle, author and references
1840New Guide for Tunbridge Wells by John Colbran and edited by James Phippen ⇒ p. 76

Historical records

1840HistorySwiss CottageColbran's Tunbridge Wells

As you approach the Wells, on the right is the Culverden property, which formerly belonged to the Countess of Huntingdon, who resided here. The present elegant mansion, built by the late J. Jeddere Fisher, Esq., and now the residence of Mrs. Fisher, is not seen from the road, but we may with truth apply the same terms in speaking of it now as were used of "The Culverden" upwards of seventy years since, " It is as happily situated as almost any house in the place." In one part of the grounds there is an unique building, having its lower apartments hewn out of the sand rock. It is called the Swiss Cottage, and both the exterior and interior well merit the name, as may be judged from the annexed wood-cut.

In another part of the grounds, and in a most romantic situation, is a tower, built also by Mr. Fisher, which overlooks an extensive tract of country, and looks down immediately on a wild glen, which with the necessary adjuncts of moustachiod faces and high crowned hats, would have formed a capital study for Salvator Rosa. There is also an interesting subject for the naturalist to be found here. In the ravine at the foot of the Castle, from three to six feet below the stir-face, lie buried large trunks and branches of birch trees in a tolerably perfect state, and with the rind (notable for its thin texture) in better preservation than the wood itself.


1840HistorySwiss CottageColbran's Tunbridge Wells

The Hurstwood affords another delightful stroll. Turning to the right by Fenner's Repository, you pass the old Baptist burying-ground, and Ashburnham House, and then proceed down a shady lane through some fields to the wood, which is the property of D. J. Robertson, Esq. It is tastefully laid out in walks, and seats are provided for the accommodation of visitors. To the right of the lane we have mentioned, there are Tea and Strawberry Gardens. The prospect from the fields here is very charming. as it comprises Speldhurst Church, the Swiss Cottage, and Culverden Tower, each of which forms a pleasing object.


1840Swiss CottageSwiss Cottage, Tunbridge WellsColbran's Tunbridge Wells

3rd Apr 1881CensusPhilip Avis, M, Head, married, age 46, born Tunbridge Wells, Kent; occupation: gardenerPhilip Avis, gardenerSwiss Cottage1881 Census
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Miriam Avis, F, Wife, married, age 52, born Tunbridge, KentMiriam Avis
Samuel Avis, M, Son, age 15, born Tunbridge Wells, Kent; occupation: scholarSamuel Avis
Jane Avis, F, Daughter, age 11, born Tunbridge Wells, Kent; occupation: scholarJane Avis
Harriett Avis, F, Daughter, age 8, born Tunbridge Wells, Kent; occupation: scholarHarriett Avis

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