Streets honour town's war heroes

Charles Lucas was the first recipient of the Victoria Cross

Five war heroes who won the Victoria Cross for gallantry have been immortalised after streets on a new housing estate were named after them.

They were unveiled on the former gasworks site in Sandhurst Road, in the High Brooms area of Tunbridge Wells.

Nick Fenton, managing director of the builders, Barratt Kent, said it was important for the community.

"I think it's important we remember people from the past, and make sure they're remembered for the future."

Live shell

The roads named in a special ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Ron Weedon, were Queripel Close, Addison Road, Lucas Close, Temple Road, and Dougall Close.

Lt Charles Lucas was the first person in the UK to be awarded the Victoria Cross, for his action in the Baltic in June 1854.

He lived in Tunbridge Wells and is buried at St Lawrence's churchyard, in the nearby village of Mereworth.

His VC was awarded after he picked up a live shell from the deck of his ship, the Hecla, and dropped it overboard.

Town's pride

A memorial in Dunorlan Park, in a grove of 21 oak trees, carries his name along with nine other holders of the VC who had connections with Tunbridge Wells.

Local chairman of the Royal British Legion, David Wakefield, said the town was very proud of its VCs.

"But the physical manifestation of our pride is limited to the VC grove in Dunorlan Park.

"To have streets in the town named after the VCs means it makes it much more immediate," he said.