Rochester, Historic town in Medway, England
Rochester is a town on the north bank of the River Medway in Kent, roughly 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of London. The old center sits between the river and a low hill, where the castle and cathedral dominate the skyline.
The Romans built a fort and a bridge over the Medway here, forming part of the main road to Canterbury. In medieval times, the town gained Norman fortifications, including a powerful castle that endured several sieges.
The streets and alleys still show the layout that Charles Dickens knew as a resident and described in his novels. Many inns and buildings carry references to the author, who spent his final years nearby and used the town as a setting for his stories.
The train station lies south of the river, and you reach the center by a short footbridge or the older road bridge. Most points of interest cluster along the main street and the lanes between the cathedral and the riverfront.
Although a bishop has been based here since Roman times, the place lost its formal city status in 1998 through an administrative reform. Today it no longer holds the old title, yet it remains an administrative and ecclesiastical center for the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
