[3] In the 1670s, Tunbridge Wells had few permanent structures when it started to receive visits from members of the English Royal Family.

The church was built on land belonging to Viscountess Purbeck as a chapel of ease for those visiting The Pantiles and was opened in 1676 after being constructed by Thomas Neale.

[5] The church had no resident vicar until 1709, and relied on visiting clergymen to conduct services.

[3] It had been visited by the young Queen Victoria with her mother the Duchess of Kent, and a plaque was installed to commemorate this on the pew they sat in.

[3] The panels either side of the altar in the new chancel came from a demolished church designed by Christopher Wren, St. Antholin, Budge Row, in the City of London.