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.
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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, Saturday, Sunday 7th to 29th March Wednesday
to Sunday April to mid July, September and October 12:00-4:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday mid July to August 11:00-4:30pm.
There is a car park. For
admission rates and special events, go to its HomePage.
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