Maidstone is the county town and largest town in Kent, located in South East England. Situated approximately 32 miles (51 km) east-south-east of London, it serves as a significant historical center within the agricultural region known as the Garden of England.
The River Medway flows through the center of the town, historically facilitating trade between Rochester and the Thames Estuary. While evidence of human settlement in the area dates back before the Stone Age, the town's modern economy has transitioned from heavy industry to light industry and services since World War II. As of 2019, the town had an approximate population of 100,000.