Essential Hotels > England > Kent > Maidstone

Maidstone has grown from humble beginnings as a riverside market town to become the administrative heart and county town of Kent. Maidstone is bisected by the River Medway, which was historically used as a trade route, contributing to the growth of the area. Like much of Kent, excavations around the area have unearthed Neolithic remains and a significant Roman influence. As an indication of its long-standing importance, the name ‘Maidstone’ dates back over 1000 years of continual habitation.

During the Norman period, Maidstone gained a religious and administrative standing in addition to its commercial reputation. It officially became a town in the 16th century. Less than a century later, in 1648, the centre was the site of the bloody civil war Battle of Maidstone between the roundheads and the cavaliers. The defending Royalists were heavily outnumbered by the Parliamentarians, and the attacking force won. King Charles I was sentenced to death the following year, and England (briefly) became a commonwealth under the control of Oliver Cromwell.

Moving forward in Maidstone’s history, the town’s fortunes were built on the markets and industry made possible by the River Medway. It has moved on from being a manufacturing base to specialise in modern light industry. It sits only around 30 miles from London, and is roughly halfway between London and Dover, both of which add to Maidstone’s importance. Unfortunately, Maidstone was subject to several air-raid attacks during World War II’s Battle of Britain in 1940, so much of the architecture of the town is more contemporary than you would expect from its history. However, there is a small selection of heritage buildings remaining, including that of Maidstone Museum, All Saints’ Church and the Archbishop’s Palace, the stables of which now house the Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages. Maidstone is a popular location from which to visit Leeds Castle, former royal castle and family-friendly heritage destination. Maidstone is also one of Kent’s larger towns in terms of shopping, with the expected high street offerings, Fremlin Walk and The Mall, Maidstone shopping centres.