Rochester
Rochester
Rochester along with Chatham and Gillingham are clustered together at the mouth of the Medway River all these towns have a long association with the sea and feature prominently in Britain’s naval history.
However, it is Rochester that has been the most important as its position made it a strategic site on the Dover to London road.
The Norman’s recognised this and built a castle here the keep of which was the tallest in England this still remains and afford s great views of the surrounding countryside.
From across the river there is a good view of the castle and cathedral which was built in 1088, other medieval remains can still be seen in the town and the walls are still intact in places.
The high street is pleasant and there are many good pubs and places to eat, the guildhall is also worth a visit.
Charles Dickens moved to Rochester in 1857 buying Gads Hill Place a property which he admired as a boy. He remained here until his death in 1870. During this time, he was visited by many famous writers of the day such as Hans Christian Anderson, Willkie Collins and Longfellow.
Rochester holds a Dickens festival twice a year and the Christmas event is very popular.
Activities in Rochester
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