Leeds Castle is located in Kent, England, southeast of Maidstone on two majestic islands.
Built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur, this beautiful structure began as a Norman stronghold, later a royal residence, then as a royal palace, becoming one of the most visited historic buildings in
Britain. The Barbican includes three parts, each has its own entrance, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. The magnificent fortress is complete with a maze leading to an underworld and historic grotto, a vineyard, and aviaries. Leeds Castle is significant in the fact that six medieval queens have resided there, having the Castle being commonly referred to as “Castle of Queens, Queen of Castles” when Eleanor of Castile bought Leeds Castle in 1287.
Nevertheless, the fortress was not originally as extravagant. The Keep originally stood on the small island, the Gloriette now in place of it. The two …show more content…
During the 16th century (or Tudor dynasty), its significant owner was the notorious King Henry VIII, completely transforming the Norman stronghold into a lavish and vast royal palace, allowing him and his first wife Catherine of Aragon to visit comfortably. In 1520, Henry and an entourage of over 5,000 people spent a night at Leeds Castle in a meeting with Francis I of France, which was aptly named “The Field of the Cloth of Gold”. Afterwards, the Tudor palace had been transformed into a Jacobean house, a lasting legacy, by the means of Sir Richard Smythe. Eventually, Sir Thomas Culpeper came into possession of the house. However, in 1665, Culpeper allowed the government to lease the castle for Dutch prisoners of war. As a result, the prisoners set fire to their living quarters. This dreadful demolition would not be repaired until the 19th
Built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur, this beautiful structure began as a Norman stronghold, later a royal residence, then as a royal palace, becoming one of the most visited historic buildings in
Britain. The Barbican includes three parts, each has its own entrance, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. The magnificent fortress is complete with a maze leading to an underworld and historic grotto, a vineyard, and aviaries. Leeds Castle is significant in the fact that six medieval queens have resided there, having the Castle being commonly referred to as “Castle of Queens, Queen of Castles” when Eleanor of Castile bought Leeds Castle in 1287.
Nevertheless, the fortress was not originally as extravagant. The Keep originally stood on the small island, the Gloriette now in place of it. The two …show more content…
During the 16th century (or Tudor dynasty), its significant owner was the notorious King Henry VIII, completely transforming the Norman stronghold into a lavish and vast royal palace, allowing him and his first wife Catherine of Aragon to visit comfortably. In 1520, Henry and an entourage of over 5,000 people spent a night at Leeds Castle in a meeting with Francis I of France, which was aptly named “The Field of the Cloth of Gold”. Afterwards, the Tudor palace had been transformed into a Jacobean house, a lasting legacy, by the means of Sir Richard Smythe. Eventually, Sir Thomas Culpeper came into possession of the house. However, in 1665, Culpeper allowed the government to lease the castle for Dutch prisoners of war. As a result, the prisoners set fire to their living quarters. This dreadful demolition would not be repaired until the 19th