The Ancient Archiepiscopal Palace at Maidstone, from Edward Hasted's, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, vols. 1-3 1782

Richard Bernard Godfrey made this print of the Archiepiscopal Palace at Maidstone in the late 18th century, and it was included in Edward Hasted's "History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent." This image offers insights into the social and institutional context of the time. The detailed depiction of the palace and its surroundings reflects the interests of the landed gentry and clergy, who were the primary patrons and audience for such topographical surveys. Godfrey's print presents an idealized vision of the English countryside. Produced during a period of significant social and economic change in England, we see the palace and its grounds presented as symbols of stability and tradition, yet Hasted's survey was part of a larger project aimed at documenting and cataloging the English landscape, reflecting the growing importance of empirical observation and scientific inquiry. By consulting historical records, maps, and other archival sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that shaped artistic production in 18th-century England.