Leeds Castle Interiors
A castle has been on this site, in Kent, since 1119 and has been used by a number of royalty including Edward I and Henry VIII. The castle was purchased by Lady Baillie in 1926 and was used for a number of worthy purposes including a hospital for airmen during WWII.
In 1974 it was left to the Leeds Castle Foundation to be preserved for the benefit of the public. The history (Wiki) is here, castle/events website here, grounds/moat/lake/gardens here, falconry display here and the flower festival is here.
The name “Leeds” seems to have the original meaning of loud or rushing water. Hence there is a Leeds village nearby and another Leeds in the north of England.
This fellow is carrying a pole axe which was used to penetrate armour, quite often the opponent’s helmet. Hence the expression, being pole-axed.
I’m sure you could play a board game on that.
Henry VIII and it looks like he left his tankard behind.
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I’m not sure whether this is a charming guardian or a psychopath in a skirt. I suppose the defining question is; would I want him at the top of my stairs on dark night ?
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And, Richard II. We all know what happened to him.
Thanks for the visit and ~
Freed From Time 
I visited there once some time ago – it is a very good castle!
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October 6, 2015 at 15:31
With all its features it is certainly a good day out. 🙂
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October 6, 2015 at 22:52
How wonderful! Thanks so much for posting. I want the chivalrous knight with his lion protecting my stairway! He’s wonderful!
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October 6, 2015 at 19:16
He is extra ordinary and works for fava beans and Chianti. 🙂
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October 6, 2015 at 22:54
Love the detail in the design and the history of the castle Graham! ❤
Diana xo
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October 7, 2015 at 00:29
Glad you liked that. It is probably one of the oldest that is still habitable. It causes a little confusion because it is in southern UK and Leeds is a city in north. Reason; Leeds means rushing/noisy water.
Have a nice day. 🙂
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October 7, 2015 at 12:02
What an impressive interior!
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October 9, 2015 at 15:06
That, together with the grounds make a good day out. Its a little pricey but the ticket is valid for repeat visits for a whole year. yay 🙂
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October 9, 2015 at 15:39