Leeds is a small rural community of some 250 houses just 6 miles east of Maidstone and strung between the main roads from that town heading for Ashford or Headcorn. It sits within a mile southwest of Leeds Castle. The original settlement must have been in the hollow between the Downs in the north and the Stoney Hills of the Greensand ridge to the south, where several old dwellings cluster around the ancient George Inn. Here was to be found abundant spring water, wood for building, pasture for cattle and shelter from the prevailing winds. This was the site chosen in 1119 by the Black Canons of the Augustinian Order to erect a Priory, which had a profound influence on the village and surrounding countryside for the 420 years of its existence. Today there are few remains, but what is left can be found on land south of the junction of George Lane and Lower Street. Unable to expand eastward, the village chose to extend itself by clinging to the boundary of the Priory grounds, straggling up the hill to the more open pasture land of the southern ridge, and several ancient dwellings, such as Abbey Mill, Manor House, Abbey Farmhouse and Old Vineys still exist. The Dissolution of the Priory in 1539 and the eventual spoliation of all its fine buildings proved a bonanza for local builders with the wealth of dressed stone available for the picking. Evidence of this is to be seen throughout the village incorporated into walls and buildings. The contrast between the dreamy lower half of the village and the nosier bustling atmosphere of the commercial upper half may not be so pronounced as described by Charles Igglesden in 1908 when the forge and wheelwright operated on either side of Forge Lane. Nowadays through traffic unifies both upper and lower parts. Converted Oasthouses bear witness to the onetime importance of hop growing. The village has two flourishing pubs, a recently refurbished village hall and a fine old church. Many listed properties are pleasantly scattered along Upper and Lower Street.