Leeds Castle, Kent

Leeds Castle in Kent (NOT in Leeds!) is a picturesque castle surrounded by water from the River Len. When I visited the palace, it was an ugly, muddy, rainy day, so unfortunately only one of the outdoor shots is good enough to post. Before you look at the photos, please allow me to apologise for being in most of them – I understand how annoying that may be. The husband was photo happy that day, so…

Leeds Castle played a big role during the English Civil War, as it was a prison and arsenal, and had the benefit of having its owner on the winning side – Culpepper supported Cromwell’s Parliamentarians. The Battle of Maidstone of 1648 took place not far from the castle. The highlight for me on this visit was General Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Lord Fairfax of Cameron’s doublet:

There were more objects from the 17th Century, including these beautiful paintings and blue-and-white tulipieres…

The castle dates back from the early 1000s, around 1119/20, and some bits look quite mediaeval – some of the interior rooms have been decorated in keeping with this. That being said, the castle was altered throughout the ages, and what visitors now see is apparently from the 19th century. Henry VIII had it remodelled in the 1500s. Anyone fancy a bath?

In the 1200s, King Edward I loved this castle, and he invested heavily in it.

Window onto the lake…

I was in my happy place in this amazing library. I want this!

Look at this amazing dining room:

In the lawns and gardens leading up to the house, there were some giant specimens:

Again, don’t do what many tourists do and go all the way up to Leeds in Yorkshire to find this palace, as you won’t find it there – it is located down in Kent, the garden of England. Kent is also home to the Tudor favourite, Hever Castle.