JayDax Showcase

Leeds Castle

The music you are listening to is Greensleves a traditional Tudor song which some people have attributed to Henry VIII (There's some doubt about that though).

Strange as it may  seem Leeds Castle is not in Leeds - the well known City in  West Yorkshire - instead you will find it in Kent about six miles, East Southeast of Maidstone.

Leeds Castle is built on two islands in a lake, formed by the River Len. It is certainly a beautiful building, well worth seeing. It was built in the  twelfth century as an impregnable stronghold and became known as "Lady's Castle" because of those who occupied it. Its royal residents include Eleanor and Margaret, wives of Edward I, Philippa of Hainhault, wife of Edward III, Catherine de Valois, Henry V's wife, Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I, who was imprisoned here, for a time, before her coronation.

The gatehouse with its barbican and drawbridge are the most fortress like features of the castle. The rest, looks like what it was chiefly used for, a residence. A tour of the castle will give a whole new perspective on what life in a royal castle might have been like.

There are no draughty towers, here, no rats skulking about, no dank, dungeon like rooms. Tapestries cover the walls, fireplaces roar and there is a general atmosphere of warmth, gentility and comfort.

The castle still serves as a residence, today, but is also used as a corporate conference centre. Because of it's location it has often been used for international summits. If you are still looking for that special venue for your next board meeting, you might want to give some consideration to Leeds Castle. Take your golf clubs - there is a course adjoining the castle grounds.

Castle Links | Book a flight to the UK | International Magazines | Leeds Castle Website | Travel City UK