Sutton Valence Castle

Type:Castle / Fort

Sutton Valence, Kent, ME17 3LW
The remains of Sutton Valence Castle

About

This is an imposing ruined castle with a history dating from the 12th century. The great tower, which is the major remaining part of the structure, was once part of a much larger castle, which probably included an inner and outer bailey, and possibly a barbican.

It is thought to have been built by the Norman Count of Aumale, Baldwin de Bethune and was used as a residence for over 150 years by a succession of important lords and earls. It was frequently passed on through marriage and in 1238 the castle was owned by Simon de Montfort, the sixth Earl of Leicester and as leader of the baronial rebellion against Henry III he was killed at the Battle of Evesham and the castle was confiscated by the Crown.

Henry III then conferred the castle on his half-brother, William de Valence, as a reward for his support during the rebellion. The village of Sutton, or 'south town', became known as Sutton Valence. William de Valence's family lived here for a number of years as they travelled between their estates until about 1315, which was well recorded.

After this date, very little is known about the history of the castle.
Free entry. Open dawn to dusk.

Book Tickets

Map & Directions

Road Directions

5 miles south-east of Maidstone, in Sutton Valence village, on A274

Public Transport Directions

Arriva 12 Maidstone – Tenterden (passes Headcorn railway station)

Opening Times

Maidstone (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

TripAdvisor

What's Nearby

  1. Blooming Green

    Pick-Your-Own Flowers are available on specific days until the end of October. Flower…

    3.04 miles away
  2. Mote Park Watersports Centre

    Located in the centre of Mote Park offering a variety of watersports including sailing,…

    4.37 miles away
  3. Maidstone Experiences

    5.07 miles away
  1. Headcorn Aerodrome

    This is a free attraction where parachuting, balloons, stunt flights, pleasure flights,…

    5.08 miles away
  2. North Downs Way National Trail

    The path was opened in 1978 and most of it is within easy reach of London. The good…

    5.35 miles away
  3. Thurnham Castle

    Thurnham Castle and the site on which it stands appears to have been used for…

    5.35 miles away
  4. White Horse Wood Country Park

    The White Horse Country Park is set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural…

    5.4 miles away
  5. Maidstone River Park

    Maidstone River Park was one of a lasting legacy of projects, funded in part by the…

    5.43 miles away
  6. Quarry Wood Nature Reserve

    Managed by Kent Wildlife Trust, Quarry Wood is 26 hectares of ancient mixed woodland…

    5.81 miles away
  7. Kent Wildlife Trust Tyland Barn Visitor Centre

    A beautifully restored 17thC barn, now a visitor centre, with displays on Kent's wildlife…

    6.9 miles away
  8. Teston Bridge Country Park

    Teston comprises three meadows nestling beside the River Medway. This is an ideal…

    6.92 miles away
  9. Elvey's Canoes

    There are two day trips on the River Medway from Yalding.  There is Tonbridge to Yalding…

    7.63 miles away
Previous Next
HM Government Logo European Union Logo

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss