The Pantiles - an area of colonnaded walkways constructed in the 17th century at the site of a spring discovered near the town of Tonbridge. A small town quickly evolved around the site and Tunbridge Wells became a popular spa resort amongst the gentry of Georgian England. The springs of chalybeate water are located in two basins in the north-west corner (See TQ 53 NE 45). The medicinal properties of the springs were first recognised by Lord North in 1606 and the first well was sunk in 1608. In 1636 Hotels were built (not part of The Pantiles) and in 1638 the Upper Walk was laid out. The row of houses and shops on the west side was rebuilt in a regular manner after 1687 with a colonnade. The walks were first paved in 1700. Originally known as The Parade it became known as The Pantiles as recently as 1887. The Corn Exchange was built in 1801-2 as a theatre.