In the United Kingdom, the term listed building refers to a building or other structure officially designated as being of special architectural, historical or cultural significance; Grade I structures are those considered to be "buildings of exceptional interest".[2] Listing was begun by a provision in the Town and Country Planning Act 1947. Once listed, severe restrictions are imposed on the modifications allowed to a building's structure or its fittings. In England, buildings are given listed building status by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, acting on the recommendation of Historic England.[3]
More than half of the Grade I buildings in Maidstone are Norman- or medieval-era churches or church related buildings. The greatest concentration of Grade I listed buildings is in central Maidstone, where the Archbishop's Palace, Church of All Saints, the Tithe Barn and the College Gateway form a related group next to the River Medway. Non-religious buildings include Allington Castle and Leeds Castle and manor houses such as the 13th-century Nettlestead Place and 14th-century Otham Manor. Later domestic buildings include 15th-century Chilston Park and 16th-century Boughton Place, both at Boughton Malherbe. The most recent buildings included in the list are the 18th-century West Farleigh Hall and Linton Park.
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