A hidden Victorian gem in Royal Tunbridge Wells
This peaceful arcadian burial ground is hidden away just off St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells. If you walk 100 yards or so down Woodbury Park Road,
you will find the entrance at the end of a cul de sac to your right.
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The Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery are volunteers who have cleared away intrusive brambles and saplings from the old gravestones and work every Saturday afternoon tending the magnificent trees and wild flowers. In 2009, the cemetery won the first of its national Green Flags. South and South East in Bloom awards have followed annually since then and Gold awards from Kent Wildlife Trust.
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We have so far repaired over 100 memorials, and our historical researches are uncovering the fascinating stories of some of the 6,000 Victorians buried here, like Anna Maria Coombs and her mother, both born in India (Newsletter March 2014).
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There are close working links with other local organisations with shared interests and aspirations. We are also especially interested in developing projects to benefit the elderly or disabled, and that involve young people. For the past few years we have run a primary schools award scheme linked with the cemetery as a special place of grace.
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Besides hands-on projects, we have a programme of guided walks, talks, events and informative publications. If you have a relative buried in the cemetery, we should love you tell us about them and we can try to help you find out more.
We are deeply saddened to announce that June Bridgeman, one of the founding members of the Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery, died on 19th April 2026. A more comprehensive tribute will follow in due course.
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June was an extraordinary community figure who helped found the Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery in 2006, the Friends of Trinity Churchyard, and the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery at Hawkenbury. She was also a member of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, the Town Forum, and Soroptimist International Tunbridge Wells — which she joined in 1966, serving as president from 1996 to 1997.
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In recognition of her outstanding contribution to history, the environment, education, and the promotion of women's perspectives, June was awarded the Civic Medallion by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on 23rd February 2022 — one of only 34 ever awarded since the scheme began in 1981, and passed unanimously by Full Council.
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June's dedication, vision and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the honour to know and work with her.
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With our deepest sympathies, The Committee Members, Friends of Woodbury Park Cemetery — 30th April 2026