Rochester Castle, Norman castle in Rochester, England.
Rochester Castle is a Norman fortress in Rochester, Medway, England, rising on the eastern bank of the Medway. The rectangular keep made of Kentish ragstone and Caen stone towers above the surrounding streets and gardens.
William the Conqueror founded the fortress in 1087, shortly after the invasion of 1066. King John besieged it in 1215 during the First Barons' War, ordering a tunnel dug beneath the southeast corner to bring it down.
The name Rochester likely derives from Old English roots, and these stone walls now stand at the heart of a small town as a backdrop for photos and picnics. Families use the green lawn surrounding the ruins, and weddings occasionally find a setting here for their ceremonies.
Admission is free for English Heritage members, while others pay a fee at the entrance. The stairs are steep and narrow, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
The southeast corner of the keep is round rather than square because it was rebuilt after the siege of 1215. The spiral staircase winds through all four floors, connecting rooms with walls that measure nearly 12 feet (3.7 meters) thick in places.
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