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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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