The town of Tunbridge Wells was founded around the Chalybeate Spring discovered in 1606 by Dudley, Lord North, a courtier to James I.
The high iron content of the waters was believed to have healing properties and the town developed as a spa town. It was named after the nearby town of Tonbridge, which was at the time spelled "Tunbridge".

The similar names and alternative spellings have been a source of confusion ever since, especially to uninformed people travelling on the London-Hastings railway line. The spring can still be visited in the Pantiles area of the town, surrounded by Regency architecture.
The prefix "Royal" dates to 1909, when King Edward VII officially recognised the popularity of the town amongst royalty and aristocracy by bestowing the town with its official "Royal" title. To this day, Royal Tunbridge Wells is one of only two towns in England to be granted this, the other being Royal Leamington Spa.  Originally built in 1766 as a country mansion, this Georgian hotel stands in 14 acres of beautiful parkland.

As befits an 18th century mansion, the Spa is blessed with glorious gardens which offer colour and interest in every season of the year. Guests can enjoy a gentle stroll around the lakes, or during warmer months, a range of food and drinks are served on the well kept lawns near to the hotel.     

The Spa is a far cry from the stuffy, formal hotels of bygone years, though it still retains the elegance and charm of a long-established English country house.