Maidstone in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Aragon the Dragon
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 7, 2018
1. Aragon the Dragon Marker
Inscription.
Aragon the Dragon. .
Aragon the Dragon. This Cedar Tree was planted over 200 years ago and once stood 23 metres tall. Examinations of the tree revealed it was suffering from severe decay and with its decline accelerating, it caused a risk to public safety. The decision was taken to remove the whole crown, leaving just the stump for the benefit of the local wildlife. , In April 2017 we commissioned local Chainsaw Artist, Steve Andrews to carve a Chinese Dragon into the remaining stump as part of the new Oriental Garden designed by Matt Jackson. , The name ‘Aragon’ was suggested by visitors through social media and was chosen because of its relevance to the history of Leeds Castle. ,
The link between Aragon and Leeds Castle. Catherine-of Aragon (1485-1536) was the first wife of Henry VIII (1491-1547) and Queen of England from 1509 to 1533. Between 1517 and 1520 major building work was undertaken on the Gloriette to create new first floor apartments for Catherine, and the Maidens Tower was also built. On May 22nd 1520, Catherine arrived at Leeds Castle with the King and a personal retinue of 1175 people, on their way to meet King Francois I of France, at what became known as ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’.
Aragon the Dragon
This Cedar Tree was planted over 200 years ago and once stood 23 metres tall. Examinations of the tree revealed it was suffering from severe decay and with its decline accelerating, it caused a risk to public safety. The decision was taken to remove the whole crown, leaving just the stump for the benefit of the local wildlife.
In April 2017 we commissioned local Chainsaw Artist, Steve Andrews to carve a Chinese Dragon into the remaining stump as part of the new Oriental Garden designed by Matt Jackson.
The name ‘Aragon’ was suggested by visitors through social media and was chosen because of its relevance to the history of Leeds Castle.
The link between Aragon and Leeds Castle
Catherine-of Aragon (1485-1536) was the first wife of Henry VIII (1491-1547) and Queen of England from 1509 to 1533. Between 1517 and 1520 major building work was undertaken on the Gloriette to create new first floor apartments for Catherine, and the Maidens Tower was also built. On May 22nd 1520, Catherine arrived at Leeds Castle with the King and a personal retinue of 1175 people, on their way to meet King Francois I of France, at what became known as ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical month for this entry is April 2017.
Location.
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51° 15.157′ N, 0° 37.509′ E. Marker is in Maidstone, England, in Kent. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Ashford Road and Route B2163, on the right when traveling east. Located on the estate of Leeds Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Maidstone, England ME17 1PL, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 7, 2018
2. Aragon the Dragon Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 7, 2018
3. Aragon the Dragon
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 10, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
