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Leeds Castle-by W:en: User:97198-Wikipedia Commons

Top 10 Facts about Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful  Castles in all of England. It is built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len to the east of the village of Leeds. A Castle existed on the site since 857 in the 13th century when King Edward 1 took over in 1278 for whom it became his favorite residence.

In 1519, the 16th century Henry VIII used it as a dwelling for his first wife  Catherine of Aragon. In 1536, the chapel windows were reworked and restored by Galyon Hone. During the civil war, the castle was used as both an arsenal and a prison.

The last private owner of the castle was Lady Baille who worked on most of its improvements. The castle has been open to the public since 1976 and the present Castle dates mostly from the 19th century. Here are 10 facts about the castle.

1. The Castle has a suitable nickname

Leeds is often referred to as ‘The castle of Queens, Queens of Castles’.This is because six Queens had their primary residence in the Castle during the middle ages.

These were; Eleanor, Isabella, Philippa of Hainault, Joan of Navarre, Catherine de Valois, and Catherine of Aragon. It wasn’t just Edward who really enjoyed his stay at Leeds Castle the Queens of England in Medieval times also did.

2. The first stone structure was built in the year 1119

Leeds castle-by Nigel Chadwick-Wikipedia commons

After the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, the wooden structure came to Robert de Crevecoeur hands who was the first to build a stone structure on the site. In the year 1119, the Norman stronghold was built but it is unknown since the structure has been continuously expanded over the centuries.

Assumptions though say it was the most common type of castle in that period “Motte and Bailey” which was built on an elevated area surrounded by ditches and an enclosed courtyard.

3. Leeds Castle is located in the city of Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in the country of Yorkshire in Northern England, but Leeds Castle is actually located 5 miles(8 km)southeast of the town of Maidstone. The Castle is on the east of the village with the same name as the city, the village of Leeds in Kent, southwest England.

4. Leeds was once used as a hospital

During the second world war, Lady Baillie who had served with the Red Cross as a VAD nurse allowed the government to use the Castle for military experiments and as a hospital for wounded airmen.

This included those who had undergone pioneering plastic surgery from the ‘Guinea pig club’ to treat burns. During the war, the British Red Cross society and the st.

John’s joint war organization took over county properties under private agreement with their owners, to provide beds for the treatment of wounded servicemen and women.

5. The Castle houses a painting of its most famous owner

Leeds castle collection-by American Art Association-Wikipedia Commons

In 1519 Henry III expanded and improved the castle further because his wife Catherine of Aragon was one of the queens that made Leeds a primary residence. It’s interesting that Leeds castle houses a painting dating back to 1545 which represents its famous owner Henry III.

The painting is called “Field of the cloth of gold”  which honors the meeting of Henry III with the French King Francis I in 1520.

6. Robert Fairfax spent a lot of money on the Castle

Robert Walker (1610-1757), Thomas Fairfax, 1625-1658

Robert Fairfax, the brother of Thomas Fairfax in Virginia, made a lot of improvements during his 46 years’ stay in the Castle. He married two wealthy women; Martha Collins a member of the child banking dynasty and Dorothy Best who was born in a brewing family.

Martha and Dorothy helped Robert financially with exterior renovations which is pretty much the building seen today, a wonderful Castle in Tudor style.

7. Leeds is built on islands in a lake

Leeds Castle, Maidstone-by gailf548-Wikipedia commons

One of the most interesting facts about Leeds Castle is that it is built on an island in a lake formed by River Len on the east of the village of Leeds. A Castle has existed on the lake site since 857.

8. The Castle was donated to charity

In 1926, invulnerable Lady Baille bought the Castle making her the last owner. She employed French interior designers to help in the transformation of her home. For most of her life, lady Baille dedicated herself to the improvement of the Castle where afterward she left the building to the charity The Leeds Castle Foundation. In 1976 the Castle was opened to the public.

9. Get a royal treatment by spending a night in Leeds

There are twenty bedrooms in the Castle including eight luxurious State bedrooms each uniquely furnished with antiques and a large original en-suite, art decorated marble bathrooms. All the rooms offer breathtaking views across the surrounding parkland and traditional four poster beds.

When you take a visit, you will get to enjoy the entire Castle with royalty. You’ll also enjoy a private tour through the grand state rooms, halls, library, chapel, and the 13th-century section of the Castle.

10. The Castle is one of the most popular Castles in England and thus a tourist attraction center

Leeds Castle in Kent, England is referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world”.It has been a royal residence, a Norman stronghold, and a royal palace. It’s set on two islands in a magnificent lake making its situation stunning.

There’s also an abundance of wildlife to see throughout the 500-acre estate of the castle. The Castle has a maze that consists of 2400 Yew trees which are set in a square and yet the pattern appears circular when viewed from the air; making the castle’s situation unique. Today over half a million visitors come from all around the world to view this extremely beautiful Castle.

 Leeds Castle is often referred to as the “castle of queens, Queen of castles” because it had six Queens primarily living in it. Its famous owner was Henry VIII, who transformed the castle for his wife, Catherine of Aragon. Leeds is a great pick for history buffs, as well as there are a lot of activities on the grounds from adventure golf to playgrounds to falconry.