Gabriel's Hill

About

Shopping

These ancient buildings house a variety of shoe shops, jewellers and eateries in this pedestrianised street. In fact The Golden Boot is the UK's oldest family owned shoe shop in England. It was founded in 1790 and is still in the hands of the same family. Well worth a visit. 

The History of Gabriels Hill and The Battle of Maidstone

The battle took place on 1st June 1648 between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists as part of the Second English Civil War. The Royalist did their best to defend the town.  The Parliamentarians crossed the river at East Farleigh and instead of resting they immediately attacked the town from the south. Which would have been the Knightrider Street and Lower Stone Street area initially.  The significance of the attack was not realised until late afternoon, as there had been skirmishes earlier in the day at Pendenden Heath and Aylesford. 

It was raining heavily on that day and the battle moved into an intensive fighting.  The Royalists ferociously defended the town with barricades.  The Royalists then had to retreat to Gabriels Hill, giving them the advantage of the high ground. Later they then retreated again into Week Street and finally to St Faith’s Churchyard.  The Parliamentarians overcame fierce resistance to take command of the town just after midnight during a raging thunderstorm.