ROCHESTER CASTLE

Strategically placed astride the London Road, guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding. Today it stands as a proud reminder of the history of Rochester along with the cathedral and cobbled streets.

Its Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone was built about 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury, with the encouragement of Henry I. Consisting of three floors above a basement, it still stands 113 feet high. Attached is a tall protruding forebuilding, with its own set of defences to pass through before the keep itself could be entered at first floor level.

In 1215, garrisoned by rebel barons, the castle endured an epic siege by King John. Having first undermined the outer wall, John used the fat of 40 pigs to fire a mine under the keep, bringing its southern corner crashing down. Even then the defenders held on, until they were eventually starved out after resisting for two months.

Rebuilt under Henry III and Edward I, the castle remained as a viable fortress until the sixteenth century.

Look out for Volunteering opportunities at historic sites in Medway.

Rochester Castle and its events are managed by Medway Council.

Family Craft Activities: The Norman Conquest - Tuesdays & Thursdays 25 July – 2 September, 10.30am-3.30pm

Changeling Theatre: All’s Well that Ends Well - Thursday 11 August, 7.30pm

Medieval Merriment - Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August, 10am-5pm

Luna Cinema: The Goonies - Thursday 22 September, 7.30pm

Luna Cinema: Romeo & Juliet - Friday 23 September, 7.30pm

Luna Cinema: Monty Python’s Life of Brian - Saturday 24 September, 7.30pm