insideKENT Magazine Issue 34 - January 2015 | Page 99

TOWNSPOTLIGHT S P O T L I G H T O N ROCHESTER If you are looking for somewhere that has a rich history, literary links, beautiful architecture, and fantastic road and rail links to the rest of the country, then Rochester is the place for you. Part of the Medway towns, Rochester has within its streets and buildings stories of battle, of romance, and of history. Visit Rochester and discover just what an important town it is, and how it helped shaped the county and the country around it. BY LISAMARIE LAMB History in Brief Rochester dates back to Neolithic times (10,200BC to 2000BC) and archaeologists have discovered remains within the area to prove it. It is, then, an ancient town in the true meaning of the word, and it has been occupied by Celts, Romans, Jutes, and Saxons. It was popular with invading forces and homegrown peoples due to its position on the River Medway (at its lowest point, which meant that trade was good there as boats could land and goods could be sold), and soon grew from a small village into something more like the town we know today. Once Rochester’s important position was realised and established, the castles (Rochester and Upnor) were built, as was the cathedral, and these fantastic buildings can still be visited today. Things to Do Rochester Cathedral Rochester Cathedral has been on a site of worship since 604AD, although the present stunning building’s construction was started in 1,080 on the instruction of Gundulf, a French monk. The building is gothic in style and has been the subject of a number of studies on architecture in the past. Inside, and by special appointment only, it is possible to see the famous Chapter Library Door, one of the oldest doors in England which dates back to the 14th century. In the 13th century, Rochester Cathedral became a place of pilgrimage thanks to the martyr William of Perth, a baker who was murdered in the area around the cathedral. Once his body was taken to the cathedral, it is said that miracles began to occur, and people travelled for miles around to see for themselves. People still travel, and if no miracles occur these days, then at least the building is a beautiful place to visit, and the fresco painted in 2004 – the first for 800 years – is worth coming to see. Rochester Castle The oldest part of Rochester Castle, the Norman keep, was built in around 1127 by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, William Corbeil. Since then, it has stood guard over Rochester, protecting the one-time city from all who attempted to invade. For those unafraid of heights, the top of the battlements gives you the ultimate view of Rochester, and for just one pound you can borrow an audio guide that will take you around the castle and give you a complete history of the impressive place. Rochester Castle may be a ruin, but it is a ruin with history and a tale to tell. Upnor Castle A mere baby in comparison to its companion, Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle was built in 1559 on order from Elizabeth I. Its purpose was to protect the gunships that were sailing down the Medway and into the Chatham Docks. However, despite looking good, the castle wasn’t much of a defence, and in 1667 it completely failed to stop a Dutch fleet from attacking the Royal Naval shops stationed at the Dockyard. Upnor Castle is full of winding staircases, large courtyards, and a sense of history that, rather than being airbrushed into perfection, shows the flaws and errors that our ancestors were perfectly capable of making. Restoration House This privately owned house is open to the public when the owners are not in residence, and is a wonderful example of what Rochester has to offer. With a number of different displays about the town’s history and its links with King Charles 99 II, Charles Dickens (Restoration House was the basis for Miss Haversham’s House in Great Expectations), and a number of other famous personalities, beautifully maintained gardens, as well as a tearoom, this is a lovely way to spend some time. Guildhall Museum This fascinating museum has free entry, but many a visitor would be glad to pay a fee to see the exhibits and information inside. The artefacts on display include a massive weathervane shaped like an 18th-century warship (found on the roof and weight a huge 51kg!); a 200,000-year-old axe (which it is possible to touch); a Victorian drawing room and kitchen; the Dickens Discovery Room; and a number of items from a Roman villa – as well as much, much more. Rochester and Cobham Park Golf Club Rochester and Cobham Park boasts a superb 18-hole, parkland course and hosts Internationals and Open Qualifying competitions. It is a members’ club, but is always delighted to welcome visitors and societies who enjoy golf and the friendly Clubhouse. Minutes from the A2, the Club is within easy reach of London and the M25.