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Visit the Middle Ages in Kent
By Nils Bjornes
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is one of the most famous castles in England. Beautifully situated on two small islands in a lake in the heart of Kent, and with a story full of romance, intrigue and royal disputes, this palace is well worth a visit.
The oldest part was built in 1119 by Robert de CREVECOEUR, a descendant of one of the Lords to William the Conqueror. In 1278 it was taken over by King Edward I, and remained in royal possession for the next 300 years.
Henry VIII did in his time major improvements to create a royal palace that could compete with the beautiful castles in France, but after his death it went out of royal possession, and has since changed hands several times right up to the present day.
In 1926 the castle, which was then in poor condition, was bought by Olive Wilson Filmer, a wealthy American heiress. She spent much of her fortune restoring the castle back to its former glory, and through the 30s and 40s Leeds Castle was known for its extravagant parties with famous people like Errol Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks, James Stewart and Charlie Chaplin.
Today the castle is owned by the charity Leeds Castle Foundation, and is open to the public all year round.
For more information on prices, opening times, events etc.
see www.leeds-castle.com
Knole
Knole is the largest private house in England, with its 365 rooms, 52 staircases and 7 courtyards which also gave it the name "Calendar House". Building began in 1456 and was the first residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, but Henry VIII liked the place so much that he forced the then Archbishop to give the place to him in 1538.
In 1603, Knole was extended by Thomas Sackville, first Earl of Dorset, and has since been in the family's possession. The house is also known for its large park with deer running freely. Thirteen rooms with paintings, tapestries and a large collection of 17th century furniture is open to the public.
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk / Knole
Penshurst Place
The oldest part of Penshurst Place, The Baron's Hall, was completed in 1341, and is considered the best preserved example of contemporary building practice in private homes in England. The owner, Sir John Pulteney, had made a fortune as a trader in London, and was so rich that he lent thousands of pounds to the king, Edward III.
In 1519 Henry VIII was a guest of the then owner, the Duke of Buckingham, who is said to have spent 2,500 pounds, equivalent to 1.2 million pounds in today's monetary value, on the festivities. But even if Henry was certainly impressed, it did not prevent him two years later to accuse Buckingham of treason, and to have him executed. Thus, Penshurst was confiscated.
In 1552 Penshurst was given as a gift to Sir William Sydney, and has been in this family ever since.
More information: www.penshurstplace.com
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle was built around 1385, and is a striking example of a castle/fortress of that time. First believed to have been built as a fortification against a possible French invasion force, Bodiam now is believed to have been more of a status symbol for the owner, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, who was one of the king's knights.
Bodiam was besieged both during the Wars of the Roses (1455 - 1487, and during the English Civil War (1642 to 1651). During the civil war the castle was partially destroyed.
In 1829 the castle was bought by private owners, who began the restoration.
Bodiam Castle is one of the finest of its kind in the south of England.
More information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk / bodiamcastle
Groombridge Place
William Russell built the original mansion at Groombridge in the early 1230's, surrounded by the same moat we see today. Russell was a powerful man, one of the barons who forced the king, King John, to sign the Magna Carta in 1215.
Over time, Groombridge has had many owners, among them the Sackville family, who own Knole House not too far away.
In more recent times Groombridge was visited several times by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who set the action in one of his Sherlock Holmes novels to Groombridge. In 2004 the site was used as Longbourn, the Bennet's family home, in the filming of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".
More info: www.groombridge.co.uk
Arundel Castle
Arundel is admittedly on the coast of Sussex and not in Kent, but we also like to include this magnificent castle, where the oldest part dates from 1068 - 1070.
King Henry I bequeathed Arundel and surrounding land to his second wife, Adeliza of Louvain, and until today the castle passed from one female heir to the next.
Arundel has also been the main seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years, and today is home to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and their children.
More info: www.arundelcastle.org
Issue 5