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Leeds Castle has stood in Kent since 1119, its role shifting with the centuries—from a Norman fortress to a royal residence for six medieval queens, and later a Tudor palace transformed by Henry VIII. In the 20th century, it served as a hospital during World War II and was later restored into a private home by Lady Baillie. Set on two islands in the River Len and surrounded by a landscaped estate, the castle is a living record of English history, politics, and architecture. Here are 10 facts that reveal the remarkable past and legacy of Leeds Castle.
Leeds Castle has stood since 1119
The first stone version of Leeds Castle was built in 1119 by Norman baron Robert de Crevecoeur. Over the years, it’s been everything from a fortress and royal residence to a private estate, with each chapter leaving its mark on the building you see today.
It’s not in Leeds
Despite the name, Leeds Castle isn’t anywhere near the city of Leeds in Yorkshire. It’s tucked away in the Kent countryside, just outside the village of Leeds and about an hour’s drive from London.
It’s known as the ‘Castle of Queens’
Six medieval queens lived here, including Eleanor of Castile, Margaret of France, and Catherine of Aragon. For centuries, Leeds Castle served as a royal retreat for England’s queens, earning its enduring nickname.
Henry VIII turned it into a palace
In the early 1500s, Henry VIII transformed Leeds Castle into a lavish palace for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. A portrait inside still commemorates his famous meeting with the French king at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520.
It was a wartime hospital
During World War II, Leeds Castle became a hospital for injured soldiers, including some rescued during the Dunkirk evacuation. The castle’s remote setting made it an ideal place for recovery and care.
It’s built on two islands
Leeds Castle sits on not one, but two small islands in the middle of a lake formed by the River Len. It’s this moat-like setting that gives it its fairy tale look and a strong defensive edge in medieval times.
There’s a dog collar museum inside
Yes, really. The castle houses a Dog Collar Museum with over 100 historic collars, some dating back to the 15th century. It’s one of the most unexpected (and oddly charming) parts of a visit.
It has a maze with a hidden grotto
The yew maze on the castle grounds is made of over 2,400 trees. Find your way to the center and you’ll discover an underground grotto, decorated with mythical creatures and shells.
It was once under siege by a king
In 1321, Queen Isabella was denied entry by the castle’s lady, Margaret de Clare. King Edward II responded with a full-blown siege—a dramatic moment in the castle’s medieval history.
Lady Baillie gave it new life in the 20th century
In 1926, Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Baillie bought the crumbling castle and restored it into a glamorous home. After her death, she left it to a foundation so the public could enjoy it too.
No. For much of its history, Leeds Castle was under royal ownership, serving the Crown and various monarchs. It passed into private hands only after the 16th century, eventually becoming a private estate before opening to the public in the 20th century.
Yes. While the castle has been modified extensively, visitors can still see parts of the original Norman chapel, medieval cellar arches, and elements of the 13th-century stonework, especially in the Gloriette—the oldest part of the castle.
Throughout its history, Leeds Castle has hosted royal visits, aristocratic parties, and even international diplomatic meetings. In 1978, it was the venue for peace talks between Egypt’s President Sadat and Israel’s Foreign Minister Dayan.
Yes. Its dramatic setting has made it a popular filming location. Leeds Castle has featured in productions like The Hollow Crown and Kind Hearts and Coronets, and is often used in documentaries about British history.
Beyond Henry VIII, Leeds Castle was visited by other Tudor royals, including Queen Elizabeth I. The castle’s Tudor-style banquet hall, added during later renovations, reflects this era’s design preferences.
The Gloriette, built on the smaller of the two islands, dates back to the 13th century and once housed royal apartments. Today, it offers some of the best-preserved medieval interiors in the castle and overlooks the surrounding moat.
Absolutely. The surrounding parkland was redesigned in the 18th century by the famous landscape architect Lancelot “Capability” Brown. The sweeping lawns and lakes visitors see today are a product of this transformation.
Full-Day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover