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A Visit to Leeds Castle

 

Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England and is often referred to as 'the loveliest castle in the World'. Leeds Castle has a chequered history which moves from its construction as an earthwork enclosure with wooden pallisades to a Motte and Bailey castle in the style of a Donjon by William the Conqueror to a fortified stone fortress built by King Edward I. The original wooden castle was replaced by a fortified stone castle in 1119. An important feature of Leeds Castle is its access to the River Len. The decline of the feudal system saw castles built as fortified strongholds were no longer owned by feudal lords (this was seen as a risk to the monarchy). At this point in history King Henry VIII converted the castle into a Royal palace.
 
Completed:  15 October 2005
Distance: 100 miles approx from Portsmouth - take the A3 out of Portsmouth, then M25, M26 & M20 exiting at junction 8
Weather: Sunny & bright after early morning fog
Time: 6¼ hours - all photographs taken between 10:00 & 16:15
Terrain: Goods paths
Grade: Easy - although the castle is some distance from the car park (there is  a 'Dotto Train' for those so inclined)
Parking: Park at Leeds Castle, (GR: TQ 837-532) ← click here for location map
Nearest Towns: Maidstone, Kent
Refreshments: Various within the castle complex
Toilets: Toilets are available in the castle
Transport: Car
Other Walks: WightCAM - All Walks by Distance
 
Photographs

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Pictures taken with Fuji FinePix 4700, Fuji FinePix S602 & latterly, Pentax *ist DS/K10/K5 with Tamron 18-250mm lens

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