Local History
Stone tools and other evidence tell us that our ancestors were living in the Maidstone area over 400,000 years ago. Significant finds from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and later Roman and Saxon periods provide tantalising glimpses of what must have been like for local people.
Written records do not exist much before the Medieval period when the Archbishop’s Palace overlooking the Medway became the focus of a small settlement.
Maidstone was recognised as a town in 1549 when it was granted a royal charter. By the 18th century Maidstone was the official and legal centre of Kent. It was also a successful industrial town with major brewing and paper-making industries. In the 21st century Maidstone is still expanding as a retail and entertainment centre.
