Corn Exchange, Tonbridge

The building was originally commissioned as a chapel for the Independent Congregationalists and was referred to as the "Independent Chapel".[1][2] It was built in red brick and completed on 19 March 1791.[3] The design involved a main frontage of three bays facing onto Bank Street, which was previously known as Back Street.[4] The central bay featured a small portico formed by four columns supporting an entablature. The outer bays were fenestrated by mullioned and transomed windows with pointed heads and hood moulds. The frontage was surmounted by a pediment with a circular panel containing a trefoil in the tympanum. The building was enlarged in 1847.[5]

The Independent Congregationalists moved out to new premises in the High Street in 1876 and the chapel became used as the local Corn Exchange.[6] However, the use of the building as a corn exchange declined significantly in the wake of the Great Depression of British Agriculture in the late 19th century.[7]

The building was then converted to become the headquarters of the 4th Battalion, The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) in 1910.[8] It also became the headquarters of the Kent Cyclist Battalion at this time.[8] The 4th Battalion was mobilised at the drill hall in August 1914 before being deployed to India.[9][10]

The battalion merged with the 5th Battalion to form the 4th/5th Battalion in 1947.[11] Following the cut-backs in 1967, the presence at the drill hall was reduced to a single company, E Company, 5th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Queen's Regiment.[12] The drill hall was subsequently decommissioned and converted for commercial use.[13]

• Corn exchanges in England