Strategically placed astride the London Road, guarding an important crossing of the River Medway, this imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding. Today it stands as a proud reminder of the history of Rochester along with the cathedral and cobbled streets.
Its Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone was built about 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury, with the encouragement of Henry I. Consisting of three floors above a basement, it still stands 113 feet high. Attached is a tall protruding forebuilding, with its own set of defences to pass through before the keep itself could be entered at first floor level.
In 1215, garrisoned by rebel barons, the castle endured an epic siege by King John. Having first undermined the outer wall, John used the fat of 40 pigs to fire a mine under the keep, bringing its southern corner crashing down. Even then the defenders held on, until they were eventually starved out after resisting for two months.
Rebuilt under Henry III and Edward I, the castle remained as a viable fortress until the sixteenth century.
This site and its events are managed by Medway Council - visit their website for the castle which includes information about volunteering opportunities. Overseas Visitor Passes and English Heritage membership cannot be purchased at this site. Before visiting Rochester Castle, you may wish to join English Heritage online or by contacting our Customer Services Team on 0370 333 1181.
Forthcoming events:
Sat 16 Feb – Sun 24 Feb, 10am-4pm (Last admission 3.15pm)
Family Activity at Rochester Castle: A Knight in Shining Armour Heritage Trail
Take part in our themed heritage trail, to find the knight’s shining armour around the Keep for a chance to win a small prize.
80p per child, plus admission fee.
http://www.enjoymedway.org/events/family-activity-rochester-castle-knight-shining-armour-heritage-trail
Family Activities - Family heritage trails & crafts every school holiday (Feb to Christmas)
http://www.enjoymedway.org/events/heritage
Outdoor Theatre - Changeling Theatre present William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale
http://www.enjoymedway.org/events/outdoor-theatre-rochester-castle-winter
Family Living History weekend - Medieval Merriment
http://www.enjoymedway.org/events/medieval-merriment-family-living-history-event-rochester-castle
Outdoor Cinema - The Luna Cinema returns with a fantastic line-up of films to see under the stars
http://www.enjoymedway.org/events/outdoor-cinema-rochester-castle
