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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Church of St Nicholas
125 m
Pair Of Gatepiers 15 Metres North East Of Satis House
108 m
King's Head Hotel
125 m
32, High Street
115 m
37, High Street
135 m
George Vaults
134 m
Stretch of Precinct Wall Extending Along East Side of Boley Hill From a Point Immediately South- West of the Diocesan Registry to (and Including) the King's School Craft Centre
131 m
24, High Street
122 m
Salisbury Villa With Attached Wall To Front
97 m
44, High Street
115 m
No 48 With Low Range To Rear
111 m
28, High Street
118 m
Satis House
123 m
Longley House
115 m
1, 2 And 3, College Yard
134 m
The Rochester Bar
129 m
Diocesan Registry Including Part Of Precinct Wall To Boley Hill
95 m
Whitefriars
107 m
Balustrade Between Rochester Bridge And Rochester Pier
106 m
46, High Street
116 m
Cloudesley House, With Walls Attached At Rear
112 m
Old Hall And Old Vicarage
120 m
National Westminster Bank
111 m
34 And 36, High Street
113 m
20, High Street
126 m
30, High Street
116 m
26, High Street
120 m
22, High Street
123 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes