Leeds Castle, located in Kent, England, lies about 7 miles southeast of Maidstone. It is uniquely situated on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, just east of the village of Leeds. This historic estate is a Grade I listed property.
The site has housed a castle since 857. In the 13th century, it became a favorite residence of King Edward I. Later, in the 16th century, Henry VIII used it as a residence for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Most of the current structure dates from the early 19th century. The castle’s last private owner, Olive, Lady Baillie, placed it in trust to be opened to the public. Leeds Castle has been welcoming visitors since 1976.
Leeds Castle, located in Kent, England, has a rich history dating back to 857. Originally owned by a Saxon chief named Led or Leed, the site featured a wooden structure built on two islands in the middle of the River Len. In 1119, Robert de Crevecoeur reconstructed the castle in stone as a Norman stronghold, and it remained with the de Crevecoeur family until the 1260s. While the exact design of this Norman stronghold is uncertain, some historians speculate it might have been a motte and bailey.
In 1278, Queen Eleanor of Castile, wife of King Edward I, acquired the castle by purchasing a debt bond from Jewish moneylenders who were forced to sell at a discount due to Edward’s heavy taxation. Under Edward I, the castle saw significant enhancements, including the construction of a surrounding lake and a barbican spanning three islands. He also added a gloriette with apartments for the king and queen. During this time, Leeds Castle stood out for its royal investment, as most other royal residences in southeast England saw decreased expenditure.
On October 31, 1321, the castle was captured by Edward II’s forces from Margaret de Clare, Baroness Badlesmere. Margaret had refused entry to Edward’s consort, Isabella of France, leading to a siege and the death of six of Isabella’s party. Margaret was imprisoned in the Tower of London until November 1322. After Edward II’s death in 1327, his widow took over Leeds Castle as her primary residence.
In 1381, Anne of Bohemia, Richard II’s first wife, spent the winter at the castle on her way to marry the king. In 1395, Richard II hosted the French chronicler Jean Froissart at Leeds Castle, as recounted in Froissart’s Chronicles.
In 1519, Henry VIII transformed the castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. A painting commemorating Henry’s meeting with Francis I of France still hangs in the castle, and in 1536, glazier Galyon Hone restored the chapel windows.
In 1552, Leeds Castle was granted to Sir Anthony St Leger of Ulcombe, Kent, whose grandfather, Ralph I St Leger, had been the Constable of Leeds Castle and Sheriff of Kent in 1467/8.
