{"id":629,"date":"2015-12-29T20:59:50","date_gmt":"2015-12-30T01:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=629"},"modified":"2016-05-09T23:15:10","modified_gmt":"2016-05-10T03:15:10","slug":"lead-me-to-leeds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=629","title":{"rendered":"Lead Me to Leeds!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2016 \u00a0Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n

Set on two islands within the River Len and surrounded by a moat,\u00a0Leeds Castle is a spectacle to behold.<\/p>\n

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Described at the “loveliest castle in the world” by Lord Conway, a trip to Kent is not complete without a visit to this historical castle\u00a0which has served multiple purposes;\u00a0a Norman stronghold, the property of six medieval queens, a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion and an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous. \u00a0Today, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in England.<\/p>\n

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Reading the history behind this castle before \u00a0visiting, what I personally found most interesting was that the castle was transformed from fortified stronghold to magnificent royal palace for the use of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. \u00a0After visiting, what I personally found most interesting was its\u00a0connection to Virginia, where I live.<\/p>\n

After entering the castle and admiring the family portraits, I noticed one of the portraits of Lord Fairfax. \u00a0Since my son attends George Mason university\u00a0in Fairfax, the name caught my eye and I photographed the portrait to show my son. \u00a0One of the attendants\u00a0in the room caught my attention and engaged me in conversation. After telling\u00a0him about my son and that I lived south of Fairfax in Richmond, Virginia, he took me over to a map and explained how the castle had been the property of both\u00a0Sir Thomas Culpeper and Sir Cheney Culpeper. Recognizing the Culpeper name (Culpeper, Virginia is 78 miles from where I live), I was enthralled by the history lesson that he began to give me.<\/p>\n

Thomas, Second Lord Culpeper, suceeded his father in the title and later purchased Leeds Castle from the creditors of Sir Cheney’s estate. \u00a0In 1680, Lord Culpeper was Appointed Governor of Virginia. \u00a0His daughter, Catherine, married Thomas, Fifth Lord Fairfax in 1690. \u00a0On the death of Lady Culpeper in 1710, the castle was passed to the Fairfax family.<\/p>\n

Over the next 50 years, ownership of the castle was never secure and continually challenged. \u00a0The Sixth Lord Fairfax finally achieved confirmation of the family’s sole rights in 1745. \u00a0He sailed for Virginia and Leed’s Castle was given to his brother Robert Fairfax.<\/p>\n

Fairfax settled on the banks of the Potomac at Belvoir and became the friend and patron of a young George Washington. \u00a0Later, moving to the frontier, he assigned himself 150,000 acres which he called “The Manor of Leeds.”<\/p>\n

Walking along the drive in front of the castle, I had noticed a sundial. \u00a0The attendant, asked if I had noticed it on my walk to the entrance. \u00a0Having glanced in its direction, I had not, however, stopped to inspect it more closely. \u00a0He suggested that on my exit, I take a look, although the cloudy day would not lend itself to seeing its operation. \u00a0Much to my astonishment, the sundial is set to Virginia time. \u00a0He also informed me that there was a rumored sundial in Virginia at one time that was set to Leed’s Castle time.<\/p>\n

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Taking a quick walk on the premises,\u00a0I realized that there were many other activities and attractions available. \u00a0Being that I was on an organized tour, however, I was unable to see much of the grounds. \u00a0If time is available, one\u00a0should see and experience\u00a0the Maze, along with its underground grotto as well as the Falconry.<\/p>\n

An exhibition within the ancient Gatehouse details the fascinating journey through 900 years of the Castle’s history. \u00a0The story is recreated through original artifacts, expert historical detail, illustration and film. \u00a0Additionally, a Dog Collar museum is available near the Fairfax restaurant. \u00a0It contains a unique collection of over 130 rare and valuable collars dating from the 15th century.<\/p>\n

For nicer\u00a0days, Punting on the Moat is available from April to October, weather permitting. \u00a0The Wood Garden, the Culpeper Garden and the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terrace are also available for a nice walk.<\/p>\n

Younger visitors can check out the Knights’ Realm Playground and the Squires’ Courtyard Playground.<\/p>\n

There are many food venues on the Castle premises serving\u00a0casual dining, coffee, afternoon tea and elegant evening dining.<\/p>\n

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Check out more pictures on my Facebook page, Snapping the Globe.<\/p>\n

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For more information on Leeds Castle:<\/strong> \u00a0http:\/\/www.leeds-castle.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Tour Providers Offering Service to Leeds Castle<\/strong><\/p>\n