Published: August 8th 2006June 5th 2006
Additional maps: Journey to Leeds Castle
The Duckery
Apparently the last owner of Leeds Castle had a thing for ducks. There's also an aviary and a collection of birds of prey so I think you can safely say it was a generalised bird thing. The Black Swan is a symbol for the castle as she was the first person to import them from Australia.
So I took the train with Shivir, a fellow contractor who was travelling to Maidstone to an Interview with a Local Council. I was eager to get out of London, if only for a few hours and I found that Leeds Castle was near(ish) to Maidstone so we agreed to go visit after his interview.
We made a rather odd pair, he in his business suit and me in my Aussie tourist garb, but we had a great time and I was so loathe to leave that we almost missed the last shuttle bus to the station.
There are more photos below
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This be a blog of the trials and tribulations of Brett and Ailsa as they launch their career as international travellers.
Regrettably we have Champagne Tastes and Dishwater Budget so there's going to be a lot of boring work stuff that we probably won't tell you about.
However we will try to get out and take interesting photos. We're likely to be based in London or at least a major centre in England for most of the first 6 months and we'll do our best to explore to the limit of our budget.... full info
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First Glimpse
This is your first glimpse of the castle as you walk up through the grounds past the duckery.
The Castle Barbican
Once a fortified mill, it was possible to flood the surrounding area, while safely holed up in the barbican.
The Pavillion
This building may well deserve a herritage listing, but I don't think it will be with us much longer.
Across the Moat
The view we had of the river as we dined. The food was pretty ordinary, but the view was worth it.
A Red Ibis?
I didn't know they came in red. (Pink). There were numerous Australian parots and several more exotic species, but I'm afraid you'll have to settle for the ibis as I didn't get any good pictures of the rest.
A view from the maze.
I think Hampton Court is famous for its maze, even though there's hardly any of it left. This maze is very respectable and I think it compares rather favourably. Plus this one has a cool grotto in the middle with an underground exit.
Harrier Jet
This might just be the second fastest bird in the sky. It's only half harrier falcon, a full harrier is swifter still, but this crazy bird was incredible. You might be able to make out the antenna. Self destruct failsafe in case she escapes, apparently.
The Courtyard
A tiny little space in the centre of the castle.
Inside
I didn't really get into the insides of the castle. It's much more interesting to look at than be in. The weather just wasn't condusive to hanging about in a stuffy castle. I wasn't at all disappointed, I just wanted to be outside.
Library
I took stacks of photos of this room. I'd definitely like to have a library.
Tricks with Perspective
The architect has cleverly tapered the tower and its windows towards the top to make it appear taller and more daunting. I've made the effect bleedingly obvious by taking it at such a tight angle - so it might not be showing it off to its best effect.
Last Glimpse
I took this photo when I should have been running to the bus stop.
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