Touring an English Castle Located on Two Islands
Simspiration: UK photographer finds inspiration in a castle home to six medieval queens
Dubbed “Castle of Queens, Queen of Castles,” the Leeds Castle located in Kent, England, which can trace its written history to 1086, has survived wars, fire and the ruins of time. “During its history, the castle has been home to six medieval queens,” relays London-based photographer Elena Sham. Although seven queens in total have called Leeds’ home, including Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife.
The castle’s medieval architecture style gives the impression that all of its stonework and towers are original. However, most of the existing structure was actually rebuilt in the 19th and 20th centuries. The style, and the fact that this building has been maintained throughout its long life, inspired the build items you'll find in The Sims 4 Castle Estate Kit.
Sul sul Simmers! A spark of inspiration courtesy of the real world, through the lens of its local photographers. Like so many of you, we see inspiration all around, both inside and outside of our games. Welcome to Simspiration.
Like most castles, Leeds started out as a fortress. It consisted of two structures, each on its own tiny island in the middle of a lake. They were linked by a drawbridge that at some point became an enclosed connection. “The castle's unique position creates reflections in the water that I love to photograph from different angles,” says Elena.
What has endured includes a revetment wall and D-shaped bastion towers from the 12th century. Grand entry doors, ornate windows, parapet fences and majestic stonework adorn the exterior. Prevailing 13th-century additions encompass the courtyard and smaller building, called a Gloriette (roughly translated to building in a garden). The latter are attributed to Queen Eleanor of Castile.
Though not a queen, the castle’s final architectural updates were undertaken by Lady Baillie in the 20th century. She left the 19th-century exterior restoration intact, where the previous owner demolished and rebuilt the castle’s main building in the Tudor fashion, repaired the Gloriette and cleaned up the moat.
Leeds Castle opened to the public for the first time in its history after Lady Baillie’s death in 1974, making it possible for all to admire its rich architectural heritage.
“I love seeing Leeds Castle throughout the seasons,” says Elena. “Watching the first blossom, the leaves changing colors, winter frost settling in, and admiring the castle's seasonal displays. This always makes a great day out, as well as creates a perfect opportunity to find something new to take photos of.”
What are your Castle dreams? We want to see your creations. Tag #Simspiration to show us your inspiring work of art. Dag dag!
The Sims 4 Castle Estate Kit is out now on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via EA app for Windows, Origin™, Steam® and Epic Games Store.
The Sims 4 Castle Estate Kit requires The Sims 4 base game, available free to download & all game updates. See minimum system requirements for the pack.
