Celebrating its 900 year anniversary in 2019, Leeds Castle is a definite '101-Must-Visit' location for Kent, if not all of England. Built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len to the east of the village of Leeds, a castle has existed on the site since 1119. The first was a simple stone stronghold, constructed by Robert de Crevecoeur, which served as a military post in the time of Norman intrusions into England. In the 13th century it came into the hands of King Edward I, for whom it became a favourite residence; in the 16th century, Henry VIII used it as a dwelling for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The present castle dates mostly from the 19th century. It has been open to the public since 1976. Note the earlier closing times in the off-season months.