Secret Maidstone explores the lesser-known history of the town of Maidstone through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

Maidstone, the county town of Kent, has a colourful history shaped by battles, royalty, revolts, witches, mad priests, industrialists, brewers and Victorian benefactors. Situated between Dover and London and located on the River Medway, the town on a main route for pilgrimages was once a bustling centre for local and national trade. Despite many changes throughout the centuries, the ambience of old Maidstone can still be experienced. Its history is unusual and intriguing and has everything from dinosaurs and megalithic structures to Cold War bunkers, Egyptian mummies, supernatural occurrences, tales of killer hail, gruesome executions and a prison that has seen many executions and riots and housed some of Britain’s most notorious villains. Secret Maidstone explores the lesser-known episodes and people in the history of the town through the centuries. With tales of remarkable characters, tucked-away buildings and unusual events, this fully illustrated book will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of Kent’s county town.