PLACES OF WORSHIP

LEEDS CASTLE

For more than fifteen years, Caroe & Partners have been advising the Leeds Castle Trust on all matters regarding the care and conservation of its Grade I listed buildings, the history of which can be traced to the 9th century, when a Saxon lord built a manor on one of the islands on the River Len.  The existing form of Leeds Castle originates from 1119 with subsequent alterations during the following centuries.  Today the Castle is a major visitor attraction, beautifully set within the Kent landscape. 

Leeds Castle contains a collection of internationally renowned buildings which are, for the most part, constructed in Kentish Ragstone with Ragstone dressings and ashlar.  Caroe & Partners undertook an overall survey of the condition of the stonework to the buildings within the Castle complex and produced a phased programme of necessary repairs. Work has included the renewal of stonework and repairs to the Main Castle, the Gloriette and Gloriette Passage. Caroe & Partners were responsible for the conservation, repair and renewal of external stonework to the Maiden’s Tower.  The repair works undertaken to the moat bridge which had deteriorated to near collapse received a commendation at the 2008 Natural Stone Awards. 

Caroe & Partners transformed the 16th century Maiden’s Tower, from a single residence to a self contained guest house with corporate facilities to complement the estate’s existing hospitality accommodation.  The first floor provides five generous guest suites whilst the two ground floor reception rooms are used as dining/conference areas.  The ground and lower ground floors were altered to allow for kitchen, cloakroom and new mechanical and electrical services.