Leeds Castle During the World Wars

During World War I and World War II, Leeds Castle was requisitioned for military and medical use. In World War I, it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. In World War II, the castle was used by the British military and intelligence services. The grounds were adapted for training and defense purposes. The castle’s strategic location and s

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Civil War and Decline

The English Civil War (1642–1651) marked a turbulent time for many castles across England, and Leeds Castle was no exception. Although the castle did not witness any major battles, it was occupied and garrisoned during the conflict. Like many noble estates, it suffered neglect and damage during the war. Following the Restoration of the monarch

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Royal Residence: The Castle of Queens

Leeds Castle became a royal property in the early 13th century, when King Edward I acquired it in 1278. However, it was during the reign of King Edward III in the 14th century that Leeds Castle truly gained its reputation as a royal palace. Edward III’s queen, Philippa of Hainault, loved the castle so much that it became known as the “Castle of

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