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Leeds Castle, Kent

Leeds Castle was originally a Norman fortification, designed along with over a thousand other castles to consolidate the Norman invasion of 1066. The original wooden castle was rebuilt in stone by its Norman owner Robert de Crevecoeur in 1119. Leeds Castle became a royal castle during the reign of Edward the First in 1278. The castle chapel survives from the reign of Edward, built by him for the purpose of a daily Mass to be sung for the repose of his beloved wife Eleanor.

Edward was a ruthless king, but he clearly loved Eleanor. It is fitting that just about the only evidence of affection with regard to Edward the First should be linked with Leeds Castle. The castle has evolved into a very romantic setting. One of the most romantic kings in history, Richard the Second, gave Leeds Castle as a gift to his adored wife Anne of Bohemia. Richard was a sensitive man, who aspired to peace in a warlike age. To escape the constant power struggles waged by aggressive nobles, he would spend fleeting dreamy hours at Leeds Castle with Anne. The chronicler Jean Froissart describes how he was presented to Richard at Leeds Castle in 1395. Froissart gave Richard a richly illustrated book. The King, Froissart wrote, was delighted when told that the book was "about love." A first edition of Froissart's Chronicles remains at the castle. It is heartening that a building originally created for war should have slowly turned into a extravagant gift for the ladies. Leeds Castle is a feminine castle. Apart from Queen Eleanor and Anne of Bohemia, it was also owned by Edward the Second's wife Isabella of France and Edward the Third's wife Margaret of France. Henry the Fifth realised its romantic qualities, giving it to his wife Catherine de Valois. A bedroom at the castle has been decorated to appear as it would have done when Catherine lived here. There are also displays related to Henry the Eighth who brought Catherine of Aragon here.

Leeds Castle remained a royal castle until 1552 when it was sold, and has been in private hands ever since. And that is really that. This castle has never seen battle, and has really been a smart hotel for hundreds of years. But that is not to belittle the importance of Leeds Castle. A castle is not necessarily designed for battle. The way a castle works as a symbol is equally, or even more important than its supposed physical strength. Visit an Iron Age castle such as Maiden Castle and there is a sense of castles growing out of the ritual monuments of circular banks and ditches, such as those seen at Stonehenge or Avebury. Castles grew out of monuments which represented the circle of life. This circle promised rebirth, and this sense of resilience goes beyond any castle walls no matter how strongly built or seemingly impregnable they might be. Leeds Castle is beautiful. So what if its current role as a residential conference centre reflects the role it has played for centuries? Conferences are good. It is better to talk than to fight. The old monuments of Neolithic Britain celebrating a return of life are reflected in this stunning castle. In its beauty it plays the role that ideally all castles should play.

Leeds Castle is a major music event venue. Many other types of event also take place. The firework display in November is well known, and it is advisable to book ahead.

Opening Times: Leeds Castle is open every day except for Christmas Day, although some days of closure are anticipated during July and November 2008. The grounds open at 10am, closing at 7pm from 21st March to 30th September, last admission being 5pm. From October 2007 to 20th March 2008 closing time is 5pm, last admission being 3pm.

Directions: Leeds Castle is seven miles east of Maidstone in Kent. Come off the M20 at junction 8 and follow the brown tourist signs. Click here for an interactive map centred on Leeds Castle.

Access: wheelchair access is good. Most of the grounds and castle are accessible.

Contact:

phone: 01622 765400

web site: http://www.leeds-castle.com/index1.php3