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In Maidstone: Things To Do When You Visit Maidstone by Simon
Haughtone
Maidstone
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The city of Maidstone, Kent
has an extremely colourful past and is to found between Dover and the country's
capital London. Because it has such a vibrant history, there are plenty
of Maidstone attractions, which have people flocking to the area to see.
Even today, although there
have been many changes taking place in this town, you can still get a feel
for what it was like when it first became established. Just take a walk
around the old parts of Maidstone and in some cases, it is like stepping
back in time.
 Below
we take a look at some of the more popular attractions that visitors to
this very historic and beautiful town like to spend time at.
1. Archbishops Palace
- This was formerly part of the Manor of Maidstone and the actual building
you see today was mostly built in the late 14th Century under the direction
of Archbishop Courtenay. Originally, it was used as a place where the Archbishops
could rest during their travels between London and Canterbury.
Today however the building
houses Kent Register Office and is only open to visitors during the summer
when Heritage Open Days. However, groups may also visit the building at
other times of the year but this needs to be arranged prior to the date
when one is visiting the town. Attached to this building is The Apothecary's
Garden and this can be viewed on a Wednesday afternoon between the months
of May and August each year.
 2.
Leeds
Castle - Is one of the most beautiful castles in the world and was
originally built back in 857 AD by a Saxon Lord. Then it became home to
a Norman family during the time of William the Conqueror. However, it was
in 1278 that this building then became a Royal Palace for the then King
of England Edward I.
During the time, that Edward
I resided here he has a fortified mill and the Barbican built on to the
property that was standing there. Then for the next three centuries, it
was a Royal residence where the six medieval queens of England resided
and why it earned its reputation of being a "ladies castle". Today however,
the castle is cared for by Leeds Castle Foundation and this ensures that
its visitors will enjoy everything that it has to offer for generations
to come.
3. The Friars - This
is the final Maidstone attractions we are going to be taking a look at
and which is well worth a visit if you choose to go to Maidstone. This
was England's first Carmelite Priory and was established on the site where
it now stands in 1242. However, in 1930 the mansion was very severely damaged
when it caught fire. It was when major restructural work was being undertaken
to repair the building that the original fabric of it was found. Then in
1949, the Carmelites were able to purchase the building and have now spent
time restoring it to its former medieval glory.
Whatever you do, I'm sure
that you will enjoy your visit to Maidstone.
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