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About Rochester Castle
The impressive ruins of Rochester Castle at the side of the Medway River make up one of the most spectacular riverside views in the whole of Kent.
The mighty castle keep stands to its full height of 125 feet, it was one of the first castles to be built of stone, and was built for the Bishop of Rochester in about 1090. The castle then would have been little more than a curtain wall and enclosure; the keep was added at a later date by William de Corbiel, Archbishop of Canterbury who received the castle as a gift from Henry I, in around 1127. It is one of the largest castles in the country and in its hey-day was one of the most luxurious.
Staircases lead upwards through four storeys, the second and third storeys were merged to make one huge dramatic great hall. The cross wall became a pierced and columned arcade dividing the room into two. A double row of large windows lit the room and it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the former decorative work.
In 1215 the castle was besieged by King John, whose men toppled the south tower. This was not rebuilt until Henry III ascended the throne. The castle was damaged again in 1264, it was restored by Edward III, and further improved by Richard II.
Sadly, not much was done to the castle after this time and it was left to fall into decay. In the 18th-century plans were laid to have the castle demolished, fortunately this did not come to pass, and the beautiful ruins surrounded by expanses of grass provide a delightful riverside setting where visitors can sit and ponder its proud history, whilst enjoying the ever changing views of river traffic.
Rochester is a gorgeous old town with a myriad of cobbled streets where visitors will find a wealth of richly gabled houses and inns, some with Dickensian associations.
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Recommended towns & villages near Rochester Castle | (6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction NW) Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world... Information | Pictures (209) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction NW) Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling... Information | Pictures (12) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction E) This is the port to which Nelson's body was brought home following his untimely death after his glorious victory at the Battle of Trafalgar... Information | Pictures (30) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (12.5 miles, 20.1 km, direction NE) At Leigh, visitors will find a small sandy beach and a narrow High Street containing lovely old fishermen's cottages. The resort is situated close to Leigh Marsh Nature Reserve and Two Tree Island, a lonely expanse of windswept grass and saltings... Information | Pictures (74) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (13.9 miles, 22.4 km, direction NE) Southend-on-Sea is mostly known for its long pier and large amusement park - Adventure Island, which has rides to suit all tastes and all ages... Information | Pictures (117) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |
All towns in KentComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandRecommended attractions near Rochester Castle | (0.2 miles, 0.4 km) .. Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels |  | (0.3 miles, 0.4 km) Unfortunately due to its fragility, the Dickens Chalet is not open to the public although it can be viewed from outside. The..... Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels |  | (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) Rochester Cathedral is awesome in its beauty, matching this is an impressive history stretching back to when the cathedral was..... Information | Pictures (71) | Hotels |  | (1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction E) Set in a stunning 80-acre estate The Historic Dockyard Chatham will excite and entertain you - whatever your age!
Explore the..... Information | Pictures (55) | Hotels |  | (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction NE) The romantic ruins of this fabled centuries old fortress occupies one of the most delightful sites in England. The castle was..... Information | Pictures (42) | Hotels |
All attractions in KentComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandHotels near Rochester CastleHotels near Rochester Castle Cottages near Rochester Castle Bed & Breakfast near Rochester Castle  |  St George HotelChatham, Kent, England (0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
With free parking and free Wi-Fi, St George Hotel is a 5-minute walk from Chatham Railway Station. There is a traditional restaurant, modern bedrooms and a bar with games room....
More info and book online.. Price from £39.00 |  |  Premier Inn RochesterStrood, Kent, England (1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction SW)
This Premier Inn is located on the riverfront at Rochester’s Medway Valley Leisure Park. It is just one minute from junction 2 of the M2 and offers free parking....
More info and book online.. Price from £49.00 |  | Ramada Encore ChathamChatham, Kent, England (1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction NE)
This modern hotel is 800 metres from Chatham Marina and the Historic Dockyard Chatham. It has free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and power shower....
More info and book online.. Price from £49.00 |  | King Charles HotelGillingham, Kent, England (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction E)
The King Charles Hotel is located in the heart of Medway, just a 10-minute walk from Gillingham town centre and Rail Station. Free parking is also provided. Rooms at the King Charles provide en suite...
More info and book online.. Price from £35.00 |  | The Ship & TradesChatham, Kent, England (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction NE)
One of the jewels in Shepherd Neame's crown, The Ship & Trades is a spacious and stylish pub with accommodation overlooking a marina....
More info and book online.. Price from £50.00 |
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