Kent Volunteers Pavilion

In 1798, England was under threat of invasion from France, led by Napoleon. To provide defence, County Militias were formed all over the country. Due to it’s proximity to France, Kent was at the forefront of raising volunteers with 19,000 rallying to the cause within 6 months.

In 1799, Lord Romney was Lord-lieutenant of Kent and he invited all the Kent brigades of the Militia to gather in Mote Park to be reviewed by King George III and Prime Minister, William Pitt.

Around 6,000 soldiers (approx. 4,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry) had gathered alongside 20,000 people from around the County to greet the Royal party. The Militia were inspected and then marched past the King twice before undertaking a mock fight to demonstrate their prowess.

Watercolour showing the military review of 1799

After the inspection, the volunteers and invited guests were treated to a lavish feast, at the expense of Lord Romney. The leftover food was given to c.600 of Maidstone's poorest families.

In recognition of Lord Romney’s generosity, the officers of the Militia decided to commission the circular building, known as The Volunteers Pavilion, which was completed around 1801. It sits at the end of the Long Valley near where the original Mote House once stood. It is thought to mark the spot where the royal marquee had been erected for the Review.

The Kent Volunteers Pavilion

Reference: ‘Mote Park’s Story’ by Simon Ginnaw and Robin Ambrose, 2018