Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone

Whilst waiting for my appointment with the osteopath I walked out across the footbridge over the River Medway to see what was about. I've taken a shot of the Palace before but from the bridge just beyond the boat. I'm often less than flattering about how Maidstone's more recent architectural planning has let the town down and I'm in two minds about this as well.

The building itself is very imposing, standing above the river, catching the sun this morning, reflecting in the turbid, silt laden waters of the Medway, but it's really just an undervalued resource I think.

The Palace itself was formerly part of the Manor of Maidstone and was mainly buit by Archbishop Courtnay in the late 14th century, although it was started by Archbishop Ufford in 1348 and continued by Archbishop Islip between 1349 and 1366. It was originally a home from home for the Archbishops from Canterbury as they travelled about their bishopric. It went through many more owners including Henry IIIV and Elizabeth I who gave it to Sir John Astley.

At the beginning of the 20th century the building was used as a Territorial Army medical school and nowadays is owned by Kent County Council and is a registery office. Which is my point really. Such an historic building, it is only open on "Heritage Days", and is used by a small minority of people. It could be a very special place in the heart of Maidstone but I fear it is overlooked and under valued.

Just across the road is the Maidstone Carriage Museum which is housed in the Palace's stables. This too is a superb building separated now from the main Palace by a busy and noisy main road through the town. How our history has been blighted by the actions of the past.

If you want to know more, click here for the Wikipedia link. They've managed to right the boat too since the other day.