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The Saxon manor of Esledes was an ideal place for the descendant
of one of William the Conqueror’s lords, Robert de Crevecoeur,
to fortify and build a castle in 1119.
Leeds Castle passed into royal hands in 1278 and became part
of the Queen of England’s dower - the settlement widowed
queens received upon the death of their husbands. Over the course
of 150 years it was held by six mediaeval queens: Eleanor of
Castile; Margaret of France; Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre;
Anne of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois.
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In Tudor times Henry VIII visited frequently, notably
with his Queen, Catherine of Aragon, and their entire
court on the way to the tournament of the Field of the
Cloth of Gold, which took place in France in 1520. Henry’s
son, King Edward VI, granted the castle to one of Henry’s
courtiers for his services.
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Since then it has been in private ownership. It
has been used as a garrison, a prison and a convalescent
home, as well as being the home of the Culpeper,
Fairfax, and Wykeham Martin families.
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