One year after the Coronation of King Charles III, we celebrate the Royal Connections in Kent, Sussex and Surrey. From the 13th century to the present day – take a tour with us through the ages and the counties.
Dating back to 1215, the Magna Carta was sealed by King John at Runnymede, near Windsor, on 15 June. This document was the foundation for the country’s legal system is also understood to have set the relationship between the monarch and the barons. It was signed at the site in Runnymede as a meeting place close to the King’s Windsor Castle, and where the Barons rode out to meet him, setting up camp on the north side of the River Thames at Staines. Now cared for by the National Trust: Its symbolic significance in the story of democracy meant that it was chosen as the site of UK’s memorial to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. On 14 May 1965, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was joined by President Kennedy’s widow, Jackie, and their two children to inaugurate the memorial. During her speech, The Queen formally bequeathed the acre of land on which the Portland stone cupola is set to the United States.
Moving along and eastwards around the M25, you will discover signs for Hever Castle – the childhood home of Anne Boleyn – famously one of Henry VIII’s 6 wives – and mother of Elizabeth I. The Castle dates from the 14th century and has had twelve different owners. Set in stunning grounds and with award-winning gardens, the estate offers a real treat in conservation and care.
Heading south to the coast, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton was created for King George IV as a seaside palace, completed in 1823. George – the Prince Regent had been a frequent visitor to Brighton since the 1780s, transforming modest lodgings to a lavish palace with Chinese design twists, domes, minarets and stabling for 60 horses. George’s presence had an enormous impact on Brighton, formerly a struggling fishing village, with much of its Regency architecture remaining today.
To the far east along the coast, is Walmer Castle – built on the orders of Henry VIII to defend the southern shores. Transformed from military fortress to country house, it became home to the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports – a role held by HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother until her death in 2002. In 1997, to celebrate her 95th birthday, a new garden was opened at Walmer, under the care of English Heritage. The Queen Mother was delighted stating “I have been given many flowers before but never a garden”.
Royal Connections abound across the counties of East Sussex, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex: From hunting grounds on Ashdown Forest, to playgrounds of the elite such as Leeds Castle; from taking spring waters of Royal Tunbridge Wells to dipping in the sea at Bognor Regis.
Discover some of the lesser-known royal connections with the help of a Blue Badge Guide.