What is Maidstone famous for?
We’re proud of our borough’s rich history – here are some top facts you should know about Maidstone:
A statue of ‘Iggy’, a 125million year old Mantellisaurus, a sub species of the Iguanadon, stands proudly at Maidstone East Station after its skeleton was unearthed in a nearby quarry in 1834.
The borough is home to the UK’s largest independent television studio complex, Maidstone Studios, known for producing shows such as Later…with Jools Holland, Take Me Out, Catchphrase, Let’s Play for CBeebies, and Art Attack.
Music icon David Bowie was immortalised in 2022 with the unveiling of a blue plaque at the Royal Star Arcade, formerly the Royal Star Hotel Ballroom, where he regularly performed as part of Maidstone band The Mannish Boys in the mid-60s.
Two-time British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, began his political career in Maidstone, when he was elected to represent the town in 1837.
Thought to be older than Stone Henge, Kits Coty on Blue Bell Hill is the ruins of two prehistoric burial chambers which take their name from a shepherd called Kit, who used the stones for shelter in the 17th century.
Maidstone Distillery dates back 236 years and was rebuilt during lockdown – it now offers tours and tasting experiences, as well as its own exceptional range of gins and liqueurs.
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