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Development of Tunbridge Wells
lodged at Somerhill (in olden days, written Summer Hill), about four and a half miles from " The Wells," an estate that has had a varied history. Once part of the demesnes belonging to the owners of Tunbridge Castle, it came into the possession of Stafford, Duke ot Buckingham, on whose execution for high treason in 1521 it was held forfeited to the Crown. Presently Queen Elizabeth bestowed it upon Sir Francis Walsingham, from whom it descended to his daughter, who married, first, Sir Philip Sidney, then Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, and lastly Richard de Burgh, fourth Earl (and afterwards first Marquis) of Clanricarde. During the Commonwealth Lord Clanricarde's estates were sequestrated, and granted to the Earl of Essex, and after his death to the famous regicide John Bradshaw. At the Restoration Somerhill returned to its rightful owner, Margaret, daughter of Ulick, second Marquis of Clanricarde, who had married Charles, Viscount Muskerry, the eldest son of the fourth Earl of Clancarty. Lord Muskerry, as a compliment, it was said, to Catherine of Braganza, who had intimated her intention to pay another visit to the spa, made many improvements. He
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