Kent: A County of Many, Many Castles!

Leeds Castle

Who knows why, but the county of Kent is full of regal castles! Some believe it’s due to its location on the coast, as castles were of course originally designed to protect from invasion. The Norman Conquest in 1066 (the Battle of Hastings) meant that many new (now ancient!) castles were built. Later on, castles were displayed as symbols of wealth and power.

Leeds Castle

Confusingly not anywhere near the Yorkshire city of Leeds, this castle is often called one of the finest buildings in England. Some say it’s the most beautiful castle in the world! It sits on an island, between two lakes.

Dover Castle

This castle sits above the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, and was obviously built for defending invasion from Europe, during times of war.

Hever Castle

This castle (near Edenbridge) is more noted for its beautiful gardens (which include rose gardens, a manmade lake and a chess topiary). The castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded on the instructions of her husband Henry VIII.

Deal Castle

This was built by Henry VIII (not a very nice man, he destroyed lots of Catholic monasteries and convents to replace the Pope with himself as head of the church).