Sutton Valance Castle and School

Out and About – Sutton Valance Castle and School

By Thelma & Graham Dudley and Theresa & Richard Emmett

Where is it?

Sutton Valance village, just outside Maidstone, Kent. The Castle and School are both within walking distance. The Castle is in Rectory Lane ME17 3BS and the School is in North Street ME17 3HL. Map reference TQ812498.

What is physically there?

Sutton Valence Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the village of Sutton Valence in Kent, managed by English Heritage. There were story boards at the site of the castle, so we were able to learn a little of its origins. There are steep steps up to the actual ruins that you can walk around, and study the structure and walk in amongst the history.

Sutton Valance School, has a collection of buildings from 1576 to modern. The school has gone through renovation and expansion, building a new maths block, theatre, indoor swimming pool, it even boasts it has an astro pitch and an all-weather track and field facility.

Their History?

Sutton Valence Castle

Built in the 12th century, the original castle probably comprised of an inner and an outer bailey and a protective barbican, with a three-storey high keep on its southern side. Records show that In 1238 it was owned by Simon de Montford, sixth Earl of Leicester. He led the rebellion against King Henry III and was killed at the Battle of Eversham in 1265. Henry III then gave the castle to his half-brother William de Valance as a reward for his support during the rebellion and the village of Sutton/south town, became known as Sutton Valance from then onwards. William’s son Aymer inherited the castle in 1307, but only recorded staying here in 1315, very little more is known of its history.

Sutton Valance School

The school was founded in 1576 (as it clearly stats on its facade) as a Free Grammar School of William Lambe, Master of the Worshipful Company of Cloth-makers and a member of the Chapel of King Henry VIII. History oozes from every stone.

In 1910 the school came under the control of United Westminster Schools and in 1911 the Archbishop of Canterbury, Randall Davidson, opened the new buildings. Sutton Valance School today is an independent, co-educational, day and boarding school with 520 pupils ranging in age from 3-18 years, and caters for both local and overseas pupils. It is worth checking out some of the notable alumni pupils, which includes Ali Bongo the magician!

Why Visit?

Like many villages, many of the shops, and even the local pub are now private dwellings, but the visitor is still able to enjoy the charm and history of the place.

The village has lots to see, it is a quaint, old, Kent village with a tranquil atmosphere and offers the beauty of the many different timelines of buildings. The streets are easy to walk around, with various alley ways and paths to explore around and through the village.