Maidstone stag weekend information

Maidstone was originally a Saxon village - noted as a large village in the Domesday Book - and was the property of the Archbishop of Canterbury from the 10th century. It became a market town in the 13th century, receiving its official charter in 1261. By virtue of its geography, it was a key location for transporting fruit and vegetables by water to London. As a result of this booming trade, the population grew comparatively rapidly, reaching almost 2000 by the turn of the 14th century, before being devastated by the Black Death of 1348-49.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Maidstone grew increasingly important when its markets and industries flourished, led by the manufacture of wool. The local wool trade was eventually replaced, however, by the region's new industries - brewing and paper making, which boomed throughout the 19th century. This growth pattern ensured the development of other local commerce, including the manufacture of farm machinery; food processing; jam making and bottling mineral water. The first electricity was generated in Maidstone in 1901 running trams 3 years later.

Maidstone pub trivia

famous for: Leeds Castle
famous sons and residents: Barry from Eastenders, Tom Baker (ex Dr Who)
interesting fact: famous actor Ross Kemp, another East Ender, has played for Maidstone rugby club