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In 1127, Rochester Castle came under the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and remained in his successors hands for the next 90 years
Rochester Castle sitting majestically alongside the river Medway in Kent, was one of the first castles in England to be built entirely from stone in the 11th century by Gundolf, Bishop of Rochester who was also responsible for the construction of the Tower of London.
In 1127, the castle came under the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and remained in his successors hands for the next 90 years. The Archbishops had the square keep built which stood some 113ft tall and was constructed from the local Kentish ragstone. The keep consisted of a basement and three floors with the second floor being spread over two storeys.
The basement was used for storing goods and the only light to enter was via very small ventilation holes. The first floor was used for defence purposes but with the addition of fireplaces meant it was also used as a place for conducting the affairs of the castle. The second floor contained the Great hall and possible held the state apartment of the archbishop. The third and final floor consisted of another room which gave its occupant breathtaking views across the river.
Entry into the keep was thought a first floor forebuilding. The second floor also contained the chapel and some of its original vaulting can still be seen today. In the 13th century the castle came under attack from King John who inflicted so much damage to the southern corner that it collapsed. The southern corner was subsequently rebuilt in a cylindrical style and further protection was added with the addition of a drum tower. In 1264 the castle was attacked again but it took another 100 years before the damage from this attack was repaired. In between this period the castle fell into disrepair and was subject to the elements of the countries weather.
During his reign, Edward III began a major reconstruction and renovation programme and by 1400 Rochester was, once again, a fully functional castle. Alas by the 17th century, the castle had once again become neglected. The keep had been ruined by fire and the locals had begun robbing Rochester of its Kentish stone for their own building projects. In 1870, the City of Rochester took out a lease on the castle grounds turning them into a public park.
Today, Rochester Castle is a reminder of a turbulent and long forgotten past.
Tourist InformationOpen daily:April 1 – September 30, 10am-6pm. October 1 - March 31, 10am-4pm. Last admission 45 minutes before closing. Prices: Adults £4. Child/student £3. Concessions £3. Family ticket £11.
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