Name: Sutton Valence Castle
Rating: 5.0

Sutton Valence Castle

Rectory Lane, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Sutton Valence Castle the ruins of this small Norman keep, built in the second half of the 12th century, are all that remains of what was once a strongly defended castle. It was owned from 1238 by Simon de Montfort, who led the baronial rebellion against Henry IIII and was killed at the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

Henry III then gave the castle to his half-brother William de Valence, as a reward for his loyalty during the rebellion. Sutton Valence Castle was owned by a succession of important medieval lords. The castle was located in a strong position, overlooking the road from Maidstone to Winchelsea, and dominating the Weald of Kent.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Sutton Valence Castle: Sutton Valence Castle was owned by a succession of important medieval lords. The castle was located in a strong position, overlooking the road from Maidstone to Winchelsea, and dominating the Weald of Kent.
The Norman count of Aumale, Baldwin de Bethune, probably built the castle in the middle of the 12th century. It was used as a residence for over 150 years by a succession of important lords and earls.
Having passed down through various marriages, in 1238 the castle was owned by Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. As leader of the baronial rebellion against Henry III, he was killed at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, and his estates were confiscated by the Crown.
Henry III then conferred the castle on his half-brother, William de Valence, as a reward for his support during the rebellion. The village of Sutton, or ‘south town’, became known as Sutton Valence.
William’s son, Aymer de Valence, inherited the castle in 1307 and stayed here in June 1315. Remarkably, three of the Valence household accounts have survived. These show that the family spent their time constantly travelling between their many estates. In the period between May 1296 and September 1297, Joan de Valence (William’s widow) spent time at eight different residences, including a month here at Sutton Valence. After this date, very little is known about the history of the castle.
Description: The stone keep is all that remains of a strongly defended castle, which occupied the entire spur of the hillside in medieval times. Ruined sections of a curtain wall and an additional tower, visible until the early 20th century, suggest that the castle occupied a much larger area than today. A bailey probably lay beyond the keep, containing buildings such as the hall, chapel and kitchen.
The great tower, probably built about 1200, was at least three storeys high. The ground floor was most likely used as a storeroom, and external stone stairs led to the main entrance on the first floor.
This room was probably for public business, with withdrawing chambers and storage space for treasures and documents on the upper floors. Recesses in the walls, which you can still see today, were used as cupboards or latrines.

Facilities

Parking: There is no parking at the castle. There is on street parking in the village, on Lower Road, Hight Street or Rectory Road. The castle is situated on Rectory Road, a short walk from the Chapel Lane turning.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Rectory Lane, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, UK

Post Code: ME17 3LW

Council: Maidstone

County: Kent

Road Access: 5 miles south-east of Maidstone, in Sutton Valence village, on A274. Once in Sutton Valence village, on the A274, trun onto High Street, next to the Kings Head pub, take the immedate right on to Lower Road, follow Lower Road, which leads to Rectory Road, the Castle is on Rctory Road. Park in the village on Lower Road, and walk to the castle. There is no parking at Sutton Valence Castle.
Bus Access: Arriva 12 Maidstone – Tenterden (passes Headcorn railway station)
Train Access: Headcorn 4 miles, Hollingbourne 5 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is no parking at the castle. There is on street parking in the village, on Lower Road, Hight Street or Rectory Road. The castle is situated on Rectory Road, a short walk from the Chapel Lane turning.