...was the centre of the agricultural county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. There is evidence of a settlement in the area dating back to beyond the Stone Age.
The town is within the borough of Maidstone. In 2001, the town had a population of 75,000.
Maidstone's economy has changed over the years from being involved in much heavy industry: now light industry predominates; and to more service industries.
Toponymy
Saxon charters show the first recorded instances of the town's name:
de maeides stana and
maegdan stane with the possible meaning of either
stone of the maidens, or possibly
stone of the people. The latter meaning may refer to the nearby megalith around which gatherings would take place. The name evolved through
medestan/meddestane as reported in the Domesday Book until, in 1610, the modern name appeared
[Origin of place name] It has also been suggested that the name derives from stones set into the river to allow clothes to be rinsed in the cleaner water away from the banks of the river.
History
Neolithic finds have revealed the earliest occupation of the area; and the Romans have left their mark also: the road through the town and evidence of villas. The Normans set up a shiremoot, and religious organisations established an abbey at Boxley, as well as hospitals and a college for priests. Today’s suburb of Penenden Heath became a place of execution in medieval times.
Maidstone's charter as a town was first confirmed in 1549; although briefly revoked, a new charter in 1551 created the town as a borough. The town’s charter was ratified in 1619 under James I, and the coat of arms, bearing a golden lion and a representation of the river, was designed . Recently these arms were added to by the head of a white horse |Invicta]], the motto of the county of Kent),
... (This article is used under GFDL)
