Leeds Castle in Kent, England is built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len to the east of the village of Leeds.
The original castle comprised of a simple stone stronghold and was built in 1119 by Robert de Crevecoeur. It was used as a military post during the time of the Normal intrusions into England. During the 13th century, Leeds Castle belonged to King Edward I and it was one of his favourite residences. King Henry VIII used it as a home for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
We visited Leeds Castle just before Christmas in December 2009. It was cold and snowy that year and it started to snow at the end of our visit which was very exciting for my boys who had never seen snow before. The castle was decorated with a Disney theme which delighted three-year-old Michael who dreamed of being a knight.
roberta-writes.com 
I used to live very close to Leeds Castle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky you, Danny. I love Kent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was far better than it is today. We have two main motorways going to the channel crossing plus the high-speed rail link cutting the county in two. Kent was known as the garden of England. I’m not sure we can still call it that. Commerce first, pandemic second, but only just. Over the counties of England, we should not get ourselves fussed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have loved my three visits to Kent, Danny. It certainly seemed like a garden, so beautiful and green and packed with interesting place to visit and have tea. We don’t have anything like it here. We have wildlife and natural wonders, but no man-made history spanning hundreds of years.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looked like a wonderful trip, Robbie, especially for your boys!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was wonderful for all of us. This was our first trip abroad with the children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s wonderful to have those memories, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos, what a great family trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was, John. I must try and dig out our photographs of Disney World. I hated it but the boys loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Christmas! Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Annette. I also love Christmas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precious…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bette.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful experience for all of you. I remember taking our daughter to some castles in England when she was 8 years old. She loved them. One even had a drawbridge we had to cross to enter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t recall ever visiting a castle with a drawbridge, Darlene. That would be fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was in Portsmouth, one of Henry VIII’s castles. https://southseacastle.co.uk/
LikeLike
My immediate thought when I saw the first photograph was scene from one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. It took me right back to studying the plays in college. My favorite photo in the is the one of you and Greg.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Liz. I had forgotten about that photograph with Greg, it is such a lovely one. Most English castles are dark and foreboding, aren’t they?
LikeLiked by 1 person
They seem to be, yes. I’ve visited a view “castles” in the US, which are basically attempts to recreate the look and feel of an English castle. Even with electricity, they were dark and dank, not appealing at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
English castles are probably dark and dank too. It’s wonderful, the history literally leaks from the walls.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hadn’t thought of the literal leaning of history from the walls, but yes, it does!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lived in Ashford, Kent, which is quite close to the castle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were holidaying in Kent when we visited this castle. Such a lovely place to live.
LikeLike
That must have been a great trip. Wonderful photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was, Dan. Thank you. This was back in the days before I did much photography or even took many pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a truly extraordinary place, Robbie. Thanks for sharing it with us. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Teagan. The snow made it very mystical.
LikeLike
What a brilliant and unforgettable Christmas. I have added Leeds Castle to my places to see list. A few years ago – and I mean a really few years ago, we watched Little Lord Fauntleroy (1980), starring Sir Alec Guinness and Ricky Schroeder. It was filmed at Belvoir Castle with the last scene being Christmas. My son had always wanted to visit the Castle, which we did in a few years ago. It was a dream fulfilled. One day, when we can travel again, heading over to Leeds. https://youtu.be/n0-4HMHf2bY
LikeLike
Thank you for the link, I haven’t seen the film but I have read Little Lord Fauntleroy. A beautiful story. We loved Leeds Castle and the snow made is magical.
LikeLike
What a lovely trip for you all, Robbie and special photos, especially one of you and Greg, with Michael’s sword. I hope you are all alright? Much love ❤ Xx
LikeLike
Amazing photos, Robbie. It’s always been a dream of mine to visit a castle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t suppose they have castles in the US, Mae. You would have forts. We have one castle here in SA and that is in Cape Town and was built by the Dutch when they first arrived in the 17th century. England had lots and we visit at least four during and average visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How exciting that must have been for your boys to see snow For the first time; I’m sure it made the trip even more memorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was very exciting, Jim. I have only seen snow twice in Gauteng in my life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember when we were in London a couple of years ago and the town got hit with a surprise snow storm. People were so excited – it was wonderful to see…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must say, Jim, that the UK doesn’t really deal that well with snow [neither does SA but it is so rare here it is not an issue]. This particular year was the year when the Eurostar trains got stuck in the tunnel. Ours was the last train to get through before the one that stuck. I often think about that. We were travelling with two small children. Can you imagine being stuck for hours and hours in a dark tunnels with food and water running out. Frightening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that would have been awful to be stuck in the tunnel, but it does sound like a good plot for a book and a movie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That countryside is just stunning. Love to see it for real one day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is an amazing castle, Jessica. I enjoyed our visit very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like a fairy tale. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kerfe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The sleeping beauty room kind of creeped me out in that special, British way that I’m not sure Americans are able to replicate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, American decor rather shocked me when we visited Hever Castle. So OTT, not at all understated. I know immediately there had been an American intervention [grin!]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing the lovely photos and history of the castle. One country I’d like to visit but have not yet had the opportunity. And so much is on hold right now.
Our summer will be filled with birthday celebrations and family BBQ’s. One grand just turned 10, the next will turn 7 soon. Then our own children, a DIL, then late summer a SIL…
The garden and yard work is keeping me busy so I’ve just been posting short verses. But I’ve got a few prompts I might meld into a story.
Take care and stay safe. ~Jules
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jules, that sounds lovely. The UK is a great place to visit. We were supposed to go in August but that is now on hold. Maybe next year. It sounds like you have a lot to keep you busy for the next while.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great trip and super cute mum/son pic!
Didn’t know you actually photograph snow falling, wow 🙂 we don’t see it here unless we travel south to the snow fields …
LikeLiked by 1 person
We very rarely have snow here, Kate. I didn’t deliberately photograph the snow falling, that was just good luck. Greg is still a darling boy but very opinionated now [smile].
LikeLiked by 1 person
now where would he get that from?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, definitely from his father!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing trip! Loved the photo of you and little Michael. We’re a bit short on castles here in Canada.
LikeLike