Rochester Castle: 900 Years of English History in Stone

Overview

Rochester Castle in Kent, England, preserves one of the finest Norman keeps in Europe. Built c. 1127 by Archbishop William de Corbeil (not Bishop Gundulf—Gundulf built the first castle c. 1088), it dominates the Medway crossing.

Key Historical Events

The Great Siege of 1215 (First Barons' War)

• Rebel barons held castle against King John
• Siege engines failed; miners undermined southeast turret
• Pig fat fire collapsed turret (40 pigs rendered for grease)
• Garrison starved after 7 weeks; John wanted to hang all but spared nobles
• Round turret replaced (visible today—circular vs. square)

Hundred Years' War (1380-1381)

• French captured castle briefly during 1380 raid
• Recaptured by English; Richard II repaired damage

English Civil War (1648)

• Royalist garrison surrendered to Parliamentary forces
• 1661: Parliament ordered slighting (demolition)—keep spared but floors/roof removed

19th Century Restoration

• 1870s: Corporation of Rochester acquired, opened as public park
• 1890s: Roof and floors reinstated in keep
• 1965: Ministry of Works guardianship

Architectural Highlights

• Keep: 34 m (113 ft) high, 21 m (70 ft) square, walls 3.5-4 m (11-13 ft) thick
• Material: Kentish ragstone (local limestone) with Caen stone dressings
• Foredebuilding: Elaborate entrance defense (portcullis, drawbridge, murder holes)
• Interior: Three main floors + basement; spiral stair in NE turret
• Great Hall: 2nd floor, large windows, fireplace, garderobes
• Chapel: 3rd floor, decorated arcading

Strategic Importance

• Controlled Watling Street (Roman road) and River Medway crossing
• Key to Kent, "Gateway to England" from continent
• Archbishop of Canterbury's stronghold (church-state power)

Visiting Today

• Managed by: English Heritage
• Open: Daily (seasonal hours)
• Climb to roof: Panoramic views of Medway, cathedral, countryside
• Events: Reenactments, theater, education programs

Rochester Castle embodies Norman military architecture at its peak—a keep designed for both domination and survival.