Leeds castle

Leeds Castle was a fortification bult in 1119 by a Saxon royal family.

This castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a
royal palace. It is set near two islands in a magnificent lake and has
been called the “loveliest castle in the world”. In 1278, Leeds Castle
was bought by Eleanor of Castile, and it took as a royal palace to her
husband King Edward I. Leeds Castle passed through numerous royal
hands, hosting important guests including Henry VIII. Leeds Castle
was greatly enjoyed by Henry VIII. Henry stayed at this castle on his
way to his famous meeting with Francis I of France at the Field of the
Cloth of Gold in 1520. The painting was painted to increase the
friendship between the two kings following the Anglo-French treaty.
After that this castle had fallen into private ownership under King
Edward VI. In this time Leeds Castle survived the English Civil War and
later acted as a prison for French prisoners of war. the castle is
surrounded by an extensive parkland. Many of the trees that were
planted then still remain. The Park is split by streams and lakes that
are home to over 30 species of waterfowl.