Maidstone local area

[Chris Nilsen]

I am hoping that somebody with local knowledge of Maidstone can interpret some old handwriting for me.
I have attached an image from a Van Diemen's Land convict record.
In the bottom right hand corner is a reference to a place of birth.
I can see that it says:
"? near Maidstone"
but despite haveing a good search around, I cannot work out what this place might be.
Any ideas from any of the locals?
Thanks.
Chris.
Adelaide, Australia.

[DavidG02]

This link suggests Lews

http://foundersandsurvivors.org/pubsearch/convict/chain/c31a31250470

[BumbleB]

It could be Leeds - no, not the one in Yorkshire    There is a Leeds near Maidstone - has a lovely castle, once occupied by Catherine of Aragon. 

[bluemincepies]

Hi

I reckon it could possibly be Loose, about 2 miles south of Maidstone

Ancestry UK has his conviction on the criminal register in 1838

Late addition from Wiki ..... "Loose is pronounced 'Looze' to rhyme with booze"

Peter

[StevieSteve]

This link suggests Lews

http://foundersandsurvivors.org/pubsearch/convict/chain/c31a31250470

However, that's the same document as the one attached so it's just someone's interpretation

There's a George Knox baptised in Linton in 1820. Pros: it's only 4 miles from Maidstone. Cons: the original doesn't look anything like Linton to me

[StevieSteve]

I do like the sound of blue's Looz (which is only 1 mile from Linton)

[DavidG02]

However, that's the same document as the one attached so it's just someone's interpretation

Yes.

And taking a further look my second interpretation is there is a W after the L and E 

[StevieSteve]

Yes, I'm voting for written Lews, pronounced Looze, actually Loose

[DavidG02]

Yes, I'm voting for written Lews, pronounced Looze, actually Loose

And that's where local knowledge trumps