Leeds Castle at Christmas

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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.

Our first sight of the castle
Little Red Riding Hood themed bedroom in the castle
Sleeping Beauty themed room
Greg and I in front of the huge Christmas tree with Michael’s ever present sword

Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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52 thoughts on “Leeds Castle at Christmas”

      1. 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.

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        1. 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.

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  6. 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.

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  7. 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.

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      1. 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.

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  11. 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

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  12. 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

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    1. 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.

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        1. 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.

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  18. 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

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