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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Priory Ruins

Dudley

in the county of West Midlands

Sunset at Capernwray Farm, Lancashire

Capernwray

in the county of Lancashire

Pictures of Rochester

in the county of Kent

About Rochester

Since before Roman times there has been a settlement here, at the ford across the River Medway. The walled town developed beside the bridge which carried Watling Street, the Dover Road and slight traces of the old walls remain. The town has an illustrious history and has a wealth of historical buildings. It also has connections with Charles Dickens who makes mention of two of the town's buildings in Pickwick Papers and Great Expectations. Dickens once lived at Gad's Hill, to the north west of Rochester.

The graceful spire of Rochester Cathedral rises high above the town, the building is mostly Norman and was begun in 1077. The beautiful carved wooden ceiling to the nave dates 15th-century and of the Cathedrals other treasures there is a magnificent white marble monument to the first Lord Henniker, who died in 1806, it is by John Bacon the Younger (1777-1859) and is in the Victorian Romantic style. Rochester is a splendid Cathedral, full of reminders of an ancient past and a constant source of fascination. Rochester Castle was built in the 12th-century. It has a 125ft high Keep and is a fine example of Norman military building.

This is a spacious town that has much to offer the visitor. It is a lively place where picturesque past and present sit comfortably side by side. Delightful river walks provide a constant reminder of Rochesters past links with river and sea. There are excellent shopping facilities, many pleasant inns and restaurants and spacious parks and gardens. Buildings to see include; The Guildhall, Restoration House, The Corn Exchange, Eastgate House Museum and Watts Charity Hospital. It is though, Rochester Castle and the rare beauty of it's great Cathedral that will linger long in your memory.

Recommended towns & villages near Rochester

Aylesford Village, Kent

Aylesford (50 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Kent

(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction S of Rochester)

Aylesford is a large village in Kent, 4 miles NW of the county town of Maidstone. It sits on the river Medway, and has many interesting and historic buildings including the 14th.....

View from Windmill Hill, Gravesend, Kent

Gravesend (270 Pictures) in the county of Kent

(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NW of Rochester)

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...

Bluewater Shopping center, Greenhithe, Kent,

Greenhithe (16 Pictures) in the county of Kent

(10.6 miles, 17.1 km, direction NW of Rochester)

Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling...

Looking towards Minster Cliffs and the Leas  Minster, Isle of Sheppey

Sheerness (22 Pictures) in the county of Kent

(11.8 miles, 18.9 km, direction E of Rochester)

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...

Seafront

Leigh-on-Sea (58 Pictures) a Seaside Town in the county of Essex

(12.5 miles, 20.0 km, direction NE of Rochester)

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...

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Nearby attractions..

Charles Dickens Chalet, Rochester, Kent

Charles Dickens Chalet (4 Pictures)

(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)

Unfortunately due to its fragility, the Dickens Chalet is not open to the public although it can be viewed from outside. The.....

Rochester Castle

Rochester Castle (88 Pictures)

(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)

The impressive ruins of Rochester Castle at the side of the Medway River make up one of the most spectacular riverside views in.....

Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral (104 Pictures)

(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)

Rochester Cathedral is awesome in its beauty, matching this is an impressive history stretching back to when the cathedral was.....

Number Three Slipway, Chatham Dockyard

Chatham Historic Dockyard (122 Pictures)

(1.1 miles, 1.7 km)

Set in a stunning 80-acre estate The Historic Dockyard Chatham will excite and entertain you - whatever your age! Explore the.....

Upnor Castle

Upnor Castle (61 Pictures)

(1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction NE)

The romantic ruins of this fabled centuries old fortress occupies one of the most delightful sites in England. The castle was.....

A picture of New Tavern Fort

New Tavern Fort (2 Pictures)

(6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction NW)

Amongst the fascination of the waterfront at Gravesend is New Tavern Fort, and although the fort was re-armed in 1904 and guns.....

Coldrum Long Barrow - the least-damaged megalithic longbarrow in Kent.

Coldrum Long Barrow (9 Pictures)

(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SW)

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