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Archbishop's Palace, Kent

The area of Maidstone was probably given to the archbishops of Canterbury as a royal gift during the seventh or eighth centuries. In about 1207 rector William Cornhill gave his house to the archbishops, and some of this building may survive as ruins close to the present palace. Most of Cornhill's house, however, was demolished and rebuilt largely by Archbishop Courtenay in the 1390s. Courtenay replaced Archbishop Sudbury who was killed at the Tower of London during the Peasants Revolt of 1381. Unlike the relatively benign Sudbury, Courtenay was a fearsome archbishop who wanted to burn people who did not hold orthodox religious convictions. He was held back in this by Richard II. In many ways the complex of buildings at the Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone reveal Courtenay's personality. As well as rebuilding the Archbishop's Palace, in 1396 he ordered the building of the huge All Saints Church next door. Most parish churches grew through slow historical evolution. All Saints on the other hand was carefully planned as a symmetrical piece of architecture from the outset. It was built to impress, and reveals the ambitious and controlling influence of one man, Courtenay.

 

 

 

 

 

All Saints Church

Later in history, during the sixteenth century Reformation, Henry VIII moved to dismantle the Catholic Church establishment. The Archbishop's Palace at Maidstone was taken over by the Crown, and eventually sold to John Astley, Master of the Queen's Jewels. He refronted the building, giving its appearance as seen today. The Archbishop's Palace has remained in secular hands ever since. A palace, once home to the Church's most senior figures, is used today for civic functions. Ironically as Maidstone's register office, civil marriage ceremonies now take place there, for people who do not want a church wedding.

 

The Maidstone palace was once part of a much larger complex which extended around a central courtyard. A few buildings from that complex survive. Most impressive is the Archbishop's Stables which sits opposite the palace, and now houses Maidstone Carriage Museum. Sadly a major road now runs right through the middle of the old courtyard, although there are plans to change this. Information signs in the courtyard show illustrations of the complete palace complex.

Address: The Archbishop's Palace, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6YE

Opening Times: The Archbishop's Palace is not usually open to the public, but can be viewed from the river path, and from the courtyard, where information panels describe its history. A small, attractive physic garden beside the palace is open during the summer months. Group visits can be organised by calling the contact number below. You can of course get married there!

 

 

The Tyrwhitt Drake Carriage Museum, housed in the Archbishop's Stables, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1st May to 31st August 12 noon - 4pm. Also open on bank holiday Monday August 30th.

Group visits can be arranged at other times. Entry is free.

Address: Maidstone Carriage Museum, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6YE

Directions: The Archbishop's Palace is just off Mill Street in the centre of Maidstone. There is a public car park close by. Both Maidstone stations are within easy walking distance. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Archbishop's Palace.

Access: Disabled access to the public areas of the Archbishop's Palace is good. In the Carriage Museum, only partial access is possible.

Contact:

Archbishop's Palace

telephone: 01622 752891

Carriage Museum

telephone: 01622 602855

e-mail: kevinbrice@maidstone.gov.uk