The City of Rochester
The city of Rochester is located on the banks of the river Medway between Strood and the Historic Maritime town of Chatham just off the A2 east of London.
Rochester's quaint Victorian high street is lined with period properties many being shops, tea rooms, public houses and restaurants. This period is most obvious by its architecture but if you give yourself time to explore you will discover that Rochester's history goes far back.
Attractions in Rochester
Two of Rochester's most significant attractions are Rochester Castle and Cathedral which are very conveniently opposite each other.
Rochester Castle
Rochester castle was first raised in 1086 at the time of the Norman Conquest. Between 1087-89 King William Rufus ordered The Bishop of Rochester Gundulf to rebuild the earlier fortification. This new construction was one of the earliest castles in this country to be fortified in stone.
Once inside and reaching the top of the castle you will be rewarded with magnificent views across Rochester and the river Medway.
Rochester Cathedral
There has been a Cathedral in Rochester since 604 AD and the present building dates back to work by Bishop Gundulf around 1080. Fires destroyed the wooden roof of the nave and damaged the quire in 1137 and 1179. Then in 1642 Cromwell's soldiers left the cathedral in need of major renovations. But with all the destruction throughout the centuries Rochester cathedral is still one of the most attractive and interesting cathedrals in the country.
What's Going on in Rochester
There's always something going on in Rochester from early spring right up to Christmas. Sweeps festival starts the celebrations on the May bank holiday weekend with a mixture of traditional morris and folk music and dancing followed by the Dickens Festival at the beginning of June.
The Castle Concerts return in July with regular performances from Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra along with acts like Mcfly in 2009 and previous acts like Status Quo.
The Dickensian Christmas festival rounds celebrations up for the year in December where you are guaranteed to have a white Christmas.