Author: Devinder Patel Added: October 2, 2008
Leeds castle in Kent has a history spanning 900 years and is set on two islands on the River Len - it was home to Royalty, Lords and Ladies. The Saxon Lord of the Manor - Esledes Robert de Creve Coeur - built this castle in 1119. Then in 1278 it passed into the hands of Royalty and became part of the Queen of England's dowry settlement. Over a period of the next 150 years it was held by Medieval Queens such as Eleanor of Castle, Margaret of France, Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre, Anne of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois. During Tudor times Henry VIII used to visit here quite regularly, with his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon, for the tournament of Cloth of Gold. Henry's son King Edward VI gave it to one of his courtiers for his excellent services and later it was used as a garrison, a prison and a convalescent home to different families like the Culpepers, Fairfaxes and Wykeham Martins. The stone bridge that you walk across when you enter the castle still looks the same as it did in the 13th century. In the last 900 years there have been many other changes however, done by various rulers. It has Norman foundation and the Gloriette was built by Edward 1 and later updated during Henry VIII's times. The Tudor Tower and 19th Century Country House - were substantially refurbished in the 20th century. The last owner of the castle were Olive and Lady Baillie and they did not leave it unscathed. She was an heiress to an American fortune from her mother's side and also the daughter of an English Lord, she married thrice. It was during her second marriage to Arthur Wilson Filmer that she bought this castle in 1926. She did a complete renovation and brought in the finest French Architects and Designers to create an elegant country residence for herself. She filled the castle with valuable Art and also Antiques that she collected from her various tours around Europe. She also gave many parties in which lords, politicians and film stars used to come regularly. They all enjoyed the Castle's new Cinema Halls, Swimming Pools and Tennis Courts, Golf Courses and they used to watch her collections of creatures like the birds and waterfowls, zebras and llamas and of course the usual horses and dogs. The tower that housed the religious recluse, the maiden tower was built in Tudor times as the castle's bakery and brewery, and it was used to produce beer that was consumed by all during dining as a safe alternative to water. During the Baillie's time they made 'a bachelor's quarter' for houseguests with a cinema and smoking house downstairs. Later on it became the house of her younger daughter until 2003 and it's now used for special functions and exhibitions. There is nothing comparable in flight that can be as great as a flight by in an Air Balloon, especially if you fly over Leeds Castle as it presents a breathtaking view from above. You can fly here a little after sunrise or before the sunset which makes it an exceptional experience that you will remember all your life. Balloon Flights take place between 1st April and 1st November, and your Flight Package includes the flight itself, post flight celebrations and a certificate and entry to Leeds Castle Gardens and Grounds.
--- Devinder offers a large London airport transfer Fleet on his website and also for Heathrow airport transfer to any UK Destination. Why not contact him now if you are visiting England on +44 7956 224 399
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