Photo booth Hire in Maidstone

Maidstone’s geographical location has ensured its place as a natural market town, through which fruit and vegetables from the surrounding countryside (the veritable “Garden of England”) have been transported since medieval times, to feed the population of London.

The countryside around Maidstone is also a main source of hops for the brewing of beer. Weaving and related crafts were once prevalent during the 16th century, after Flemish refugees from religious persecution settled there. Maidstone was also famous for its linen thread up until the 19th century. When the industry declined the flax fields were turned over to hops, while the water-driven textile mills, such as Barcham Green’s Mill at Tovil, were converted to paper manufacture, once also a major local industry.

The River Medway runs through the centre of Maidstone town, linking it with Rochester and the Thames Estuary – once providing a major route for much of the town’s trade. Today it provides pleasant walks along its rejuvenated towpath, all the way from Tonbridge to Rochester, known as the ‘Medway Valley Walk’. The walk follows the river as it winds its way through Kent’s orchards and hop gardens. A well-maintained and sign-posted footpath network also provides access from the towpath further out into the surrounding Kent countryside.

Despite Maidstone’s extensive modern development, the town has retained many handsome and historic buildings including the Manor House or Archbishop’s Palace, located beside the Medway. It dates from the 14th century, although extensively altered by later owners. In its heyday the clergy used the palace as a resting place during their many journeys between London and Canterbury. The present building is now used for public and private meetings. Next to the palace is the Church of All Saints, circa 1395, which has one of the widest naves in England. 

In the same group of buildings is the 14th century College of Secular Canons, now the Kent Music School. Across Bishop’s Way, is the early 15th century Archbishop’s Stables, which contains a carriage museum. Other medieval buildings include the 14th century bridge over the Len in Mill Street, and the 15th century Corpus Christi Hall in Earl Street, originally the headquarters of a religious guild and later the grammar school.