Leeds Castle in Kent, England

Leeds Castle has been standing on two islands in a lake, on the River Len, since its construction, in the 12th century. The historical, medieval castle, approximately six miles south-east of Maidstone, is surrounded by five hundred acres of scenic parkland and gardens which house an aviary of rare, endangered bird species from around the world.

This beautiful woodland garden, is at its best in spring, boasting daffodils, narcissi, and anemones and an English Cottage Garden. Many of the trees that were planted when the parkland was landscaped in the early 18th century, still remain. Streams meander through the Castle’s parkland, splitting the gardens, and these, together with the parkland’s lakes, have become home to over thirty species of wildfowl; the Duckery providing habitat for ducks, geese and swans. Fragrant herbs and roses adorn the English Culpeper Garden, whilst late flowering borders grace the drought-resistant Mediterranean Garden. The Yew Maze - even more exotic - is planted and trimmed to depict a topiary castle, and once inside the Maze, one happens upon a secret underground grotto. Mention of the Leeds Castle Vineyard was made in the Domesday Book, and once again, after a break of five centuries, its grapes are being used to produce a fine wine.

Visitors to the Castle are transported through nine years of its history, encountering period architecture, rich and sumptuous interiors and an abundance of family treasures waiting to be discovered. Those who venture to this historically acclaimed site, are treated to a year-round programme of special events, which includes open-air concerts, a vintage car exhibition, a firework display and a hot air ballooning festival. A ‘Key To The Castle’ can be purchased at a reasonable price; this ’Key’ availing the holder to a year’s entry, free of further charge, with the exception of evening ticketed events.

So, venture across the moat to Leeds Castle, where black swans glide, and behold the fortress-like features of the gatehouse and barbican drawbridge. Take a tour of the Castle and gain a whole new perspective on what life in a royal castle might have been like in days gone by. Leeds Castle has been described as "the loveliest castle in the world.", and you surely won’t be disappointed.

Leeds Castle Timeline

The History of Leeds Castle dates back to the Saxons. Famous historical figures and events feature in its history, including William the Conqueror, the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and the Age of Chivalry with Knights and tournaments. Also featured historically, is a siege, when the Mangonel - a massive siege engine - bombarded the Castle with missiles. First built as a Donjon fortress, successive lines of fortification were added to the Castle over hundreds of years and several reigns. The castle was converted from a fortress stronghold to a Royal palace by King Henry VIII.

William the Conqueror used Anglo-Saxon labour in the construction of Leeds Castle; the original, wooden castle being replaced by a fortified stone one, in 1119. Its access to the River Len, is an important feature, as boats were used to transport equipment and building materials to its site during reconstruction, ordered by King Edward I (r.1272-1307), and fresh supplies, provisions and reinforcements, after its completion, prevented the castle occupants from being starved into submission during siege warfare. The feudal system’s decline, indicated that castles previously built as fortified strongholds were no longer owned by feudal lords. This was a risk to the monarchy, and at this point in history, King Henry VIII converted the castle into a Royal Palace. Leeds Castle stands on the River Len where it was built on two adjacent islands; its name deriving from the name of one of King Ethelbert IV’s ( 856-860) chief ministers, Ledian.

Earldom and ownership of the Medieval castle passed through several great dynasties. Members of several families held it, including the St Legers, the Culpepers, the Fairfaxes and the Wykeham Martins. An Anglo-American heiress, the Hon Mrs Wilson Filmer, Lady Baillie, took ownership of the Castle in 1926, which after her death, was handed over to the Leeds Castle Foundation.

The Gloriette at Leeds (the Lady’s) Castle

• The residential Gloriette was built by King Edward I in 1278.
• Queen Eleanor was the wife of Edward I.
• Eleanor of Castile (1241 - 28 November 1290) was first queen consort of Edward I.
• The Gloriette was named in honour of Queen Eleanor and included a Great Hall.

Note: A Gloriette was a Medieval summerhouse, usually in the woods near a castle, often used by the ladies to take a meal while watching a hunt.

It became customary for the castle to become part of a queen’s dowry, retained during widowhood.

Medieval Queens of England Who Became Residents

• Queen Isabella
• Anne of Bohemia
• Joan of Navarre
• Catherine de Valois
• King Henry VIII transformed the castle into a Royal palace in honour of his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
• Queen Elizabeth I was imprisoned in Leeds for a short time before her 1953 coronation.

Facts and Information About Leeds Castle

• Built on three islands surrounded by an artificial lake
• The outermost island - the Barbican - is nearest to the lake’s shore, accessed by three separate causeways.
• Each causeway was defended by a gatehouse, with portcullis and drawbridge

The central, largest island is connected to the Barbican by a small bridge

• Was defended by a gatehouse
• Had fifteen foot high walls

The smallest island, the Gloriette

• Built by King Edward I c1280
• Now contains the Castle’s oldest section
• Comprises a two storey structure
• Has a bridge connecting the other two islands

The Purpose of Leeds Castle

• A fortified post
• House men, provisions and horses
• To overawe the indigenous population
• A governing site for the Normans over the surrounding district
• A royal power base

King Henry VIII, when converting into a Royal Palace, retained defences to avoid possible risk of invasion by the Spaniards or French.

Keep used as a prison in the 17th century to hold French and Dutch prisoners