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.