This is a castle in North Kent, between London and Dover. It was known as the Queen's Castle because as the Kings would go from London to France, the Queens would go half way and stay at Leeds. Also, one of the Kings gave the castle to his wife, and after that it became tradition for the queen to own the castle.
It is built on two islands in a lake, which means it has the widest and deepest mote of any castle in England. It is fairly small and has been called "the loveliest castle in the world" being one of the most picturesque in Great Britain. It has had 900 years of alterations. The oldest part, on the smallest island was only one floor. Then the second floor was added and finally a major renovation was done by Henry VIII adding the other building that was connected by a closed and covered arch bridge. There is also a couple of other buildings on the larger island, one of them called the "Maidens Tower" which in the 1800s had a swimming pool with the first ever wave generator (the pool is now filled in and planted in grass.)
At the end of the 19th century the castle had gone to ruin. It was then bought by Lady Bailee, an American heiress who married some duke or earl (hence the "lady" in her name.) She restored and refurbished the castle and its grounds . She filled it with art and antique furniture and had glamorous parties. When she died, she set up a foundation to manage the castle for the people of England - forever.
It truly is a great place to visit. The tour goes through the wine cellars and the chapel that has ebony floors. There are 24 bedroom, and the tour goes to the best ones that were actually used by Lady Bailee.
The location is stunning with beautiful gardens and a hedge maze.
The symbol of Lady Bailee was the black swan, and there are still black swans who live on the lake.
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