A well-presented album of 24 original sketches of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. These original drawings provide a new insight into the town and surroundings in 1844, just before the railway arrived in 1846. They are by an unknown person, almost certainly a woman. One has a reference to ‘Mrs. H. Sykes and myself.’ It is possible they stayed at The Calverley Hotel as it features in several views; the building still stands and opened as a hotel in 1840. Local history experts may be able to trace the artist from lists of visitors which were sometimes published in libraries and local newspapers. Taken together the sketches record a visit of just over a month, between 19th August and 28th September 1844. The sketches are ribbon-bound in the original hand-made paper covers titled 'Tunbridge Wells 1844'. The album is now protected in a clamshell case. The work is in pencil, sometimes heightened with tinted wash. The artist also toured the local area including Eridge, Speldhurst, Bayham Abbey, Penshurst, Somerhill, Southborough, Crockhurst, Poundsbridge, and Great Bounds. Some of these locations now form the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells and all are just a short carriage ride from the centre. Details of the tour and dates are below. Size of album is 30 cm by 23 cm approx.