Historic Aylesford is a charming and picturesque little village on the north-east bank of the Medway just north of Maidstone. A river crossing of some import, Aylesford has seen its share of activity through the centuries. Originally named Saissenaig-hobail to commemorate defeat of the Saxons in a battle here in 455, it was then renamed to Eaglesford of which Aylesford is a corruption. In 893 the Danes were defeated by Alfred in nearby Fenham and in 1016, in another fierce encounter with Dane invaders, Edmund Ironside pursued them to Aylesford and after great slaughter, drove them on to Sheppey. The Friary was built by the first order of Carmelites in Europe, in the middle of the 13th century, and then re-built in 1675 following the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1536. Subsequently, in the 1930’s the main house was destroyed but in 1949 the Carmelites took it over and the Friary was again restored to its former glory. Spanning the river is a medieval, five-arched bridge and the surrounding building timber-gabled buildings add to the tranquil beauty. The well-preserved Culpeper monument to the knight Sir Thomas Culpeper, who died in1604 and his lady, Dame Marie can be found in the parish church of St Peter and St Paul.
Attraction
Aylesford Pottery & School of Ceramics
Friars (The)
The Friars
Classes
Doctor
Dr Bowen R L & Partners
Thornhills Medical Practice
Pub and Bar
Chequer Inn
Little Gem
Walnut Tree
Solicitor
Taxi
Vet
Companion Care Veterinary Surgery
Sports Clubs
Highways CC (Cricket)
Shops
Fellows Flowers
Pinions Pet Foods
D&R Entertainments
Eye To Eye
B&Q
Aylesford Pottery
BHS
Places to Stay near Aylesford
Aylesford Bed & Breakfast (0.67 miles)
Premier Inn Maidstone (Allington) (1.22 miles)
Ideally located within easy reach of the M20, junction 5. For shops and local amenities Maidstone town centre and Maidstone West train station are only 2 miles away. The town centre is easily accessible via ... More | visit websitePremier Inn Maidstone (Sandling) (1.41 miles)
Located within easy reach of the M20, this hotel is positioned next to the River Medway and features a beer garden, great to relax in after a long day. For shops and local amenities Maidstone ... More | visit websiteLarkfield Priory Hotel (1.78 miles)
Originally built in 1890, this character building is four miles from Maidstone town centre with easy access to the M20. Locally renowned 'Bay Tree Restaurant'. Preferential rates at 'Hunters Health Club' ... More
Premier Inn Maidstone (Leybourne) (2.40 miles)
Ideally located within easy reach of the M20. For shops and local amenities Maidstone town centre is 7 miles away. Conveniently positioned just 1 mile from West Malling train station. Our Maidstone (Leybourne) Premier Inn has ... More | visit websiteInnkeepers Lodge (2.44 miles)
Travelodge Maidstone Central (2.54 miles)
Oakwood House (2.54 miles)
Oakwod House is a splendid Victorian Mansion surrounded by beautiful, mature gardens.Once a private home, today Oakwood House has been transformed into a Conference and Banqueting Centre with 37 bedrooms ... More
Aylesbury House (2.61 miles)
Aylesbury House is a smart Victorian property situated a short walking distance from Maidstone town centre.Each room is individually decorated and all have en suite showers. All rooms have TV, ... More
Grange Moor Hotel (2.72 miles)
The Grange Moor is a friendly, family run 3 Star hotel situated off the A26 Tonbridge Road, it has good access to the M20 and M2 motorways and is within easy walking distance of Maidstone ... More | visit website
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