Introduction to 

Decimus Burton

           Serendipity played a part in the beginning of Tunbridge Wells

           when in 1606 a 'Dudley' Lord North discovered a rust tainted

          stream a few miles from Eridge. Taking some water back to

              London for analysis it was found to contain minerals beneficial

                to health. He advised his friend Lord Abergavenny who owned

          the land, to open up a the spring into a brick structure where

    people might come to take the waters.                              

               Having royal patronage Dudley soon encouraged courtiers and

                           others to gather there in the summer months. Thus started a royal         

                       connection which continued up to the 20th century when sea bathing 

had gradually taken over from the Spas popularity.       

                       During the 17th century, Inns, stores and public places were built to

                          cater for the ever increasing crowds. A small hamlet took shape, until

                     a fire in 1676 destroyed most of it. Then a planned straight line of

                   properties were built up to the well, with a portico in front. These

                      consisted of dwelling houses, an Assembly Hall and better quality

                            shops.                                                                                                     

                             In 1708 a Bath House was built at Rusthall using water from the rocks.

                                  The garden area was said to be adorned with unusual fountains to amuse

                               the visitors. Into the 18th Century and landowners are building terraced

                     cottages to rent out, while events at the 'Wells' need a Director of

                             Entertainments, the most famous of these being Richard 'Beau' Nash.

                                     Larger houses  began to emerge for the aristocracy, with smaller dwellings

                  for their servants. This needed  architects and builders alike and

                one of these was James Haliburton a Lowland Scotsman, who

                                   shortened his name to Burton and had by the end of the century  become

                      a sought after builder. His tenth child Decimus was born in 1800.

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