Pictures of Maidstone
in the county of Kent
About Maidstone
Interestingly, there was a time when the most important factor about Maidstone was its 5 watermills which ground grain to flour. Needless to say, this was in in the 10th-century, when the village, as it was then, was owned by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Domesday Book recorded Maidstone as a village with a large population of 250 inhabitants. This too, is place where the first recorded trial in England was held - the site of which, Pendenen Heath, is now used for recreational purposes only.
The towns occupancy of a prime position on the Medway made it, from the Middle Ages, ideally suited as a natural Market Centre for fruit and vegetables to be gathered from surrounding towns and villages and transported to meet the demands of the city of London. This continues to this day.
In these days too, Maidstone had annual fairs as well as a weekly market. These events were so popular that people travelled from as far afield as London to attend a Maidstone Fair. The produce was always fresh and there was a diverse variety of goods on offer from the local craftsmen who worked in the town.
By the early 14th-century Maidstone had become a sizeble market town with an increasing population of around 2,000. In the year 1348 the horrors of the black death struck and the growing population was greatly diminished. Over the centuries Maidstone continued to suffer from spasmodic epedemics of decease with the final outbreak of plague being in 1666.
Cloth making and related industries flourished during the 16th-century when many refugees settled here following religious persecution in the Low countries. However, at the time of the civil war the town was secured by the parliamentarians. An uprising caused the Royalists to take control of the town but attack by the parliamentarians saw the royalist routed.
As the town increased in size, trade expanded and those that reaped rich rewards gave generously to both church and town and many beautiful buildings were built. The present Archbishops Palace dates from the 14th-century, it has though been altered and renovated several times. Close by this ancient building is the beautiful church of All Saints. It has a nave which spans over 90ft and building began in 1395. There is an attractive 14th-century bridge that spans the River Len in Mill Street, and the 15th-century Corpus Christi Hall is in Earl Street
During the 15th-century, one of the most powerful families in England, the Woodville family, made their home at Mote Park on the edge of the town. Anthony Woodville, Lord Rivers was patron of William Caxton the printer. Elizabeth, his sister married King Edward IV. This beautiful house was rebuilt in the 18th-century and today it is a home for the disabled and owned by the Cheshire charity.
The town museum and art gallery was once the home of another famous family. Chillington Manor was home to the Wyatts who also owned Allington Castle, built in the 13th-century on the edge of the town. It was restored several times and passed into the hands of the Carmelite order.
Maidstone continued to develop and thrive. In the 19th-century a corn exchange was in operation and other industries hit a boom time but throughout the centuries it is the rich farmlands and the production of fruit and vegetables, and later hops, that have remained central to the lifeblood of this delightful town.
A visit to Maidstone will provide you with not just an experience of the history of the town but it will give you all the opportunities of excellent shopping facilities in the most modern surroundings. A museum illustrates the rich history and life of the town throughout the ages, and the interesting inns and pubs will provide you with good food and fine wines, and of course a jolly pint or two brewed from local hops!
Add town to favourites
Submit a history of Maidstone
Recommended towns & villages near Maidstone
 | (10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction SW) Brenchley is a beautiful "showpiece" village full of picturesque Tudor cottages, complimented by houses from the Regency and Victorian periods... Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels |
 | (12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction SW) Fine streets show a rich variety of architecture including typical Wealden tile-hung properties, and handsome Georgian and Victorian buildings dominating the river scene... Information | Pictures (21) | Hotels |
 | (12.2 miles, 19.7 km, direction SE) The village, which is scrambled on a ridge above the scenic River Beult, is said to be the most haunted village in England... Information | Hotels |
 | (12.3 miles, 19.9 km, direction S) Cranbrook is an old rural town of numerous streets and alleys, all still true to their medieval layout... Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels |
 | (13.2 miles, 21.3 km, direction NW) Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world... Information | Pictures (125) | Hotels |
All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandRecommended attractions near Maidstone
 | (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) Lying in a gorgeous scenic location beside the River Medway is the ancient Palace belonging to the Archbishop's of Canterbury,..... Information | Pictures (9) | Hotels |
| (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction NW) This small 13th century castle standing on the banks of the River Medway is now home to a group of Carmelite nuns. Historically,..... Information | Hotels |
 | (2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction SE) 15th-century half-timbered yeoman's house and harmonious garden... Information | Pictures (7) | Hotels |
| (4.8 miles, 7.6 km, direction W) .. Information | Hotels |
 | (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction E) Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence for six of England's medieval queens, a..... Information | Pictures (160) | Hotels |
All attractions in MaidstoneAll attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandHotels & Accommodation in Maidstone
 |  Stone CourtLower Stone Street, Maidstone, Kent, Kent, England (0.3 miles, 0.4 km)
This historic, Grade II listed building is home to the conveniently situated Stone Court hotel and its popular restaurant. A short walk from the city centre, this Tudor hotel was converted in 1716 ...
More info and book online.. Price from £69.00 |
 | King Street Hotel74 King Street, Maidstone, Kent, England (0.4 miles, 0.7 km)
King Street Hotel offers guests first class comfortable accommodation in Maidstone town centre. Ideally situated with a friendly bar, quiet lounge, night porter and bedrooms furnished to a superior st...
More info and book online.. Price from £59.00 |
 | Best Western Russell Hotel136 Boxley Road, Penenden Heath, Maidstone, Kent, England (0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
The Russell Hotel: Accommodation, Conference facilities and Wedding venue in Kent's County Town of Maidstone. Our hotel is situated at the heart of the 'Garden of England' on the outskirts of Maidston...
More info and book online.. Price from £75.00 |
 | Oakwood HouseOakwood Park, Maidstone, Kent, England (0.9 miles, 1.5 km)
Oakwood House is a Victorian Country House set in its own grounds. Once a private home, today, Oakwood House has been transformed into a conference, banqueting and training centre offering a wide va...
More info and book online.. Price from £50.00 |
 |  Village Hotel & Leisure Club MaidstoneCastle View, Forstal Rd, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, England (1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction N)
The Village Hotel & Leisure Club Maidstone, located a short walk from the River Meadway. A warm welcome, friendly ambiance & comfortable surroundings await you. More than just a good night's sleep. ...
More info and book online.. Price from £70.00 |
More Maidstone hotels...Nearby travel help
| Maidstone East Station | (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) |
| Maidstone Barracks Station | (0.3 miles, 0.5 km) |
| M20 Junction 7 | (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction NE) |
| M20 Junction 6 | (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction N) |
| London City Airport | (25.4 miles, 40.9 km, direction NW) |
| Lydd Airport | (28.9 miles, 46.6 km, direction SE) |
| Maidstone to London | (32.3 miles, 52.0 km, direction NW) |
