Rochester
 Cathedrals |  Castles |
Situated on the River Medway south east of London on the A2 road on the way to Canterbury and the coast, Rochester is a compact town, if only because it is squeezed by the river Medway, which doubles back on itself to form a promontory on which the old town sits.
Rochester began life long before the Romans arrived in Britain in the 1 st century AD. The Roman name for Rochester , Durobrivae, was derived from the Celtic dwr (water) and briva (ferry). Where the Roman Bridge crossed the Medway, continuing the High street, is the place were the modern bridge now stands. Christianity came to Rochester in 604 AD when St. Augustine consecrated Justus, a missionary monk sent from Rome , as the first Bishop of Rochester. Subsequently, the Saxon king, Ethelbert, built a small stone church there. The contemporary name of the town is derived from Hrofe-Caestre, which means the camp of Hrof or Roffa, who was a pre-Christian Saxon warlord. During the next few centuries Rochester experienced frequent attacks by Danes. In the late 11 th century the then bishop of Rochester , Gundulf, who started building the Castle as well as the monastery and Cathedral. The Castle took nearly a 100 years to build, after which it was besieged several times. From its mighty battlements spectacular views can be seen in all directions.
Rochester Cathedral, consecrated in 1130, is even more spectacular than the castle. Although its interior is mostly Norman , it nevertheless incorporates numerous architectural styles and many finely crafted sculptures and other artistic splendours , spanning the history of the Cathedral. The West Front is dominated by a huge Perpendicular window that was inserted in 1470, below which is the Norman door, the original entrance of the Cathedral, which originates from the mid 12 th century. Behind the Cathedral close lies one of Rochester 's most pleasant open spaces, the Vines where the monks had a vineyard.
Rochester is of course also famous for having been the home of Charles Dickens. Those visitors familiar with Dickens's work will recognise many of the buildings such as Restoration House, externally recognisable as Miss Havisham's house. At the end of the High Street is the Tudor brick, Eastgate House, which contains the Charles Dicken's Centre. The Centre has several galleries and rooms full of exhibits of his works, personal letters and the first floor room where Dickens worked. Every summer Rochester hosts a Dickens festival in which hundreds of the town's citizens dress up in Dickensian costumes and have a very big party.
The High Street itself is full of charm, boasting such buildings as the splendid 17 th century Guildhall, which now serves as the town's main museum, the 18 th century Corn exchange and the gabled Six Poor Travellers' House of the late 16 th century. Being so close to London and on the way to other historic towns like Canterbury as to the coast, Rochester , with is rich heritage and spectacular views, should not be missed.