Sutton Valence Castle [3]

Image: © Michael Dibb Taken: 11 Sep 2021

The castle is sited to dominate the Weald of Kent as seen in his view. Sutton Valence Castle is a ruined medieval fortification overlooking a strategic route to the coast. Built in the later 12th century, there was probably an inner and an outer bailey and a barbican, with a keep. Given by King Henry III to his half-brother William de Valence in 1265, from whom the castle takes its current name, it was abandoned in the early 14th century and fell into ruin. Now in the care of English Heritage. Listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1186956 A Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1013537 Sutton Valence is a village 5¼ miles southeast of Maidstone and about 13 miles northwest of Ashford. The area was settled in the Iron Age and a Roman road passes through. Known as Sutton until the manor became the property of William de Valence, The village is home to a castle, now ruinous, built in the late 12th century and one of the oldest schools in England, founded in 1576 as a Free Grammar School.

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