Maidstone in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Royal Star Hotel
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 28, 2026
1. Royal Star Hotel Marker
A notorious neighbour in the seventeenth century was Andrew Broughton, Mayor of Maidstone and Clerk of Parliament, who lived in Earl Street at the back of the Star. In 1649 it was he who read out the death sentence of Charles I in the High Court of Parliament.
The Star Hotel earned its prefix 'Royal' after a visit by the young Queen Victoria in the early nineteenth century.
In around 1830 the large Assembly Rooms -- known as the Medway Rooms -- were built-in the catch yard and became the focus for all major town functions for over 150 years. The rooms were retained and now form part of the first floor unit adjacent to the High Street.
In 1837 Benjamin Disraeli, the newly elected MP for Maidstone, made his Parliamentary acceptance speech to the electors of the town from the first floor balcony of the Royal Star Hotel. The Disraeli Balcony, which was removed in 1950, was re-instated as part of the restoration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 51° 16.41′ N, 0° 31.301′ E. Marker is in Maidstone, England, in Kent. It is on High Street, on the right when traveling east. In
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Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Muggleton Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl Street (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mill Street and Early Industrial Development (about 210 meters away); The Archbishop's Palace (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Maidstone Bridge & the River Medway (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Wat Tyler & The Peasant's Revolt (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Captain Louis Edward Nolan (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Battle of Maidstone (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maidstone.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 28, 2026
2. Royal Star Hotel Marker
circa 1900
3. Royal Star Hotel
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 28, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
