History - Lockmeadow

In Medieval times Lockmeadow was a deer park and used for hunting, which would have kept the priests and the palace guests in fresh meat.  

Lockmeadow would also have been the crossing point the river fording to reach the Horseway on the opposite side. 

The timing of when the lock was introduced is unclear but photographic evidence shows that it was  in working order in the 1870's and remained until at least 1905.

The livestock market remained at Lockmeadow until the 1990's when the site was redeveloped to create the Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex. However, a Market Hall was retained on the site to house the town’s regular weekly market, which continues to this day operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

Some wonderful old photograph are housed at Maidstone Museum, which shows the popularity of the markets in the 1940's.

Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex includes cinema, trampolining, bowling, urban golf and virtual reality entertainment with a number of great street food outlets, knows as Love Food.

To find out more about the old markets in Maidstone check the pages for Maidstone Market and Market Buildings as it gives a wider picture of this market town and the importance of trade.