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Raised on an island, Leeds castle was first built in stone by a Norman baron
in the reign of William the Conqueror's Son, Henry I, nearly 900 years ago.
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The castle passed through many hands over the centuries. Henry VIII was probably
one of the most famous owners, and he spent a good deal of money improving and
expanding upon its many buildings.
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In 1924 the castle was put up for sale and initially passed up by Randolph
Hearst. Mrs. Wilson-Filmer purchased the estate and immediately began its
restoration. She later became known as Lady Ballie and embellishing the castle
became her life work.
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The castle grounds include a park, duckery, wood garden, mill, barbican, golf
course, aviary, hedge maze, grotto, greenhouses, vineyard, and many other
interesting features.
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