Over the centuries Leeds Castle has been a Norman fortress, a royal residence to six of England's medieval Queens, a palace to Henry VIII and, subsequently, a private home until as recently as 1974. Our Society was formed by a group of Chatham Dockyard workers in 1980. They persuaded the Admiral of the port at the time to let them have room in the Old Lead and Paint Mill in the 'Yard to mount a display of dockyard and naval memorabilia. Cobham Hall is an outstandingly beautiful red brick mansion dating from 1584, which demonstrates an exciting combination of Elizabethan, Jacobean, Carolean and 18th Century styles. The site includes the original sail loft and forge which have been converted to a museum devoted to the history of the Thames Sailing Barge and the associated industries of brick and cement making which once sustained the local fleet of barges.
Distances shown are in a direct line.
Distances by road will be longer. This family run hotel is a former Carmelite convent set in two acres of grounds on the edge of Maidstone. Bedrooms have modern facilities and the attractive restaurant offers good home-cooked food and excellent service. This superb hotel has a comprehensively equipped Living Well Health Club. When you stay at Maidstone it is so easy to take a trip to France.