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A view in the Abbey Garden, Tresco

Tresco

in the county of Isles of Scilly

Pictures of Rochester Castle

a Castle in the town of Rochester, in the county of Kent

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

Beckoned into the High Street, Aylesford, Kent

Aylesford (50 Pictures)

a Picturesque Village in the county of Kent

(5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction S)

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.....

Sunrise on the Thames at Gravesend

Gravesend (270 Pictures)

in the county of Kent

(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...

Ingress Abbey

Greenhithe (16 Pictures)

in the county of Kent

(10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction NW)

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

(11.9 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...

Belfairs - Leigh on Sea

Leigh-on-Sea (58 Pictures)

a Seaside Town in the county of Essex

(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...

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Recommended attractions near Rochester Castle

Charles Dickens Chalet, Rochester, Kent

Charles Dickens Chalet (4 Pictures)

(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.....

Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral (104 Pictures)

(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.....

Number Three Slipway, Chatham Dockyard

Chatham Historic Dockyard (122 Pictures)

(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.....

Upnor Castle

Upnor Castle (61 Pictures)

(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.....

A picture of New Tavern Fort

New Tavern Fort (2 Pictures)

(6.5 miles, 10.5 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.....


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