Maidstone Carriage Museum - The Tyrwhitt Drake Collection
Situated in the 14th century stables of the Archbishops'
Palace, Maidstone Carriage Museum houses a unique collection of
horse-drawn vehicles, including Royal and state carriages.
Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, local benefactor and Mayor of
Maidstone on 12 occasions, began collecting carriages when he
realised that they would soon be wiped out by the motor car. He
gained the support of Maidstone Borough Council who made the
Archbishops' stables available, and advertised for carriages in The
Times.
The Museum of Carriages was opened in November 1946 by Sir
Leigh Ashton, Director of the V&A Museum, and six days later
Princess Elizabeth visited.
This collection was the first of its kind in Britain and is
widely regarded as the finest in Europe. As well as the finest
state carriages originally owned by Royalty and titled families,
the collection also holds several more mundane vehicles such as
governess carts and gigs, which older visitors may remember.
Admission is free of charge.
Where is it?
Mill Street
Maidstone
ME15 6YE
Tel: 01622 602838
Opening times
The Museum will open on Wednesday to Sunday plus bank holidays
12.00 - 16.00 from 1st May to 31st August.
Groups may visit at other times - please ring
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