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TQ 539-542 Kent England
Knole was originally a 15th century fortified stone two storey archbishop's palace, founded by Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury. The palace is said to have been, an austere fortress-like courtyard house of two wards, with a Great Hall, a Great Chamber and a turreted gatehouse. In 1538, Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury was forced 'voluntarily' to give the palace to King Henry VIII. In 1543 to house the King's retinue, the Green Court, a two storey outer quadrangle flanked by a three storey gatehouse was added. In the early 17th century, Thomas Sackville, earl of Dorset, transformed the late medieval Royal Palace, into a Renaissance mansion. 3 miles east is Ightham Mote and 8 miles south-west is Hever Castle.
Knole is located in Sevenoaks, off the High Street. 11 miles north of Royal Tunbridge Wells, on the A26-A225.
The site is owned by The National Trust and is open, Wednesday to Sunday 17th March to October 12:00-4:00pm.
There is a car park.
For admission rates and special events, go to its HomePage.
and a castle map
of the area 