Tonbridge: a proper Kentish town

The interesting aspects of the market town of Tonbridge are explored elsewhere on the James the Sweep website. So, we don’t want to repeat all the facts and figures about this quaint settlement just four miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells, in the Tonbridge and Malling District of Kent.

Even so, Tonbridge deserves to be recognised as a cultural leader when it comes to presenting Kentishness (if such a word exists) in Kent. It’s the heady concoction of the Tonbridge Castle and River Medway, alongside the busy community, which evokes that picturesque idealism. The icing on the Kentish cake is the surrounding countryside, especially the hop farms that are the epitome of the county of Kent. What can beat the verdant splendour of the hops with that heady, unique aroma, which can almost make you feel a bit giddy?

Whatever season you find yourself in – Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer – the changing landscape around Tonbridge shows the best side of Kent in all its glory. Of course, from a chimney sweep’s point of view, it’s the Autumn and Winter that hold a particular appeal as we observe the peaceful whirls of smoke from chimneys across the town. It gives a sense of peace of mind – as long as those chimneys have been swept properly. [And if they haven’t, contact James the Sweep right now. Remember that a standard sweep costs only £60. Not a lot of money to keep your family safe!]

James finds that customers in Tonbridge always have a sunny disposition. It’s that sort of place where a knock on the door is met with a smile, a warm invite to step over the threshold into a hearty home where the kettle is no doubt boiling and a cup of proper English brew is soon pressed into the hand. Kentish folk are mainly friendly folk and this sense of hospitality is perfectly found in the dwellings and streets of Tonbridge.

James loves sweeping chimneys for customers in Tonbridge. He’s been doing so for many years and will continue to do so for many years ahead!