Welcome to Capel History Group
History is being made in Capel
Unveiling of Capel's first ever blue plaque - Saturday 10th October - 11am
The 2oth century composer Arnold Cooke lived and worked in Capel for the last forty two years of his life; initially in Whetsted Road from 1963 and then, after suffering a stroke, in Capel Grange nursing home from 1993 until his death in 2005 at the age of 98.
Arnold Cooke was a hugely respected composer. He studied at Cambridge and Berlin Universities before becoming a professor at the Royal Manchester College of Music and then from 1947 Professor of Harmony and Composition at Trinity College of Music in London. His works - including symphonies, violin and cello concertos and chamber music - have been conducted by Sir Adrian Boult and Sir John Barbirolli and performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Halle Orchestra.
On Saturday 10th October at 11am, Capel History Group will be honouring Arnold Cooke's contribution to music by unveiling the parishes first ever blue plaque at Phyllis cottage, Whetsted Road, Five Oak Green.
All are welcome to this historic event and we look forward to seeing you.
Our Latest History Book - Arriving Soon!
Planned for publication in late November, the latest addition to our 'Capel Explored' series offers another fascinating insight into the history of where we live. Articles include the history of fires and fire fighting in Capel, the local Scouts movement, how Capel celebrated and commemorated Royal events and interviews with local residents recalling their life in our parish. Priced at just £10, we think it will make an ideal Christmas present for the local historian in your life. If you would like us to contact you when the book is released please fill in your details on this form: CE4 Interest Form
Our tree comes through the summer drought!
Our sponsored tree in Five Oak Green recreation ground was planted in March 2025 and has had a difficult baptism given the very warm and dry summers over that time. As the above photograph shows however, our choice of willow tree is proving hardy in its surroundings. Like all of us, a mild and relatively wet winter would be appreciated in the months ahead.
Who We Are
Capel History Group brings together Capel residents with an interest in the local history of the Parish. We use this website to publish the findings from our historical research about the area in which we live.
Want a quick update on Capel's history so far?
Click on the following link: A Brief History of Capel
As an alternative, why not take a virtual tour of some of the main sites around Five Oak Green and see what they looked like around 100 years or so ago while finding out a little more about each building. Just click on the link below to start your virtual tour of Five Oak Green
Five Oak Green History Trail virtual tour
The full version of many of the items on this website, along with pictures, appear in our three books, Capel Explored One, Two and Three, of which further information and how to buy a copy, can be found by clicking on this link Capel Explored
Where We Live
Capel is a hamlet and civil parish in the Tunbridge Wells district of Kent with a long involvement in hop and fruit farming and, from before then, the iron and charcoal industries.
The Parish is located on the North Weald, three miles to the east of Tonbridge. The southern part of the Parish lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while most of the land also falls within the Metropolitan Green Belt. As well as Capel itself, the Parish includes the communities of Castle Hill, Colts Hill, Five Oak Green, Postern, Tudeley and Whetsted.
