Rochester Tourist Attractions
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Rochester lies halfway between London and the Channel ports on the River Medway just inland from where it flows into the North Sea. The town is noted for its Norman Cathedral, with the second oldest bishopric in England, and Rochester Castle, with a well-preserved keep from 1127.
Cathedral
The oldest portions of the Rochester Cathedral are Gundulf's Tower and the crypt. The most inspiring feature is the west front, completed in 1160.
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Rochester Castle
Towering opposite the cathedral is Rochester Castle, construction of which was begun in 1088 on the site of the first Roman fortifications. It is one of the best preserved Norman fortresses in Great Britain. The massive keep, built in 1127, is, at 121ft/37m, the highest in the country. From its platform there is a magnificent view of the town and the Medway valley. To the south Satis House can be seen, in which Queen Elizabeth I was a guest in 1573.
Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
The former Bull Inn, over 400 years old, was renamed the Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel after the queen visited it in 1836. In "Pickwick Papers" it appears as the Bull Hotel, while in "Great Expectations" it is the Blue Boar.
High Street
Walking from the castle in the direction of Rochester Bridge and passing Bridge Chapel (14th century), we come to the main street of Rochester, the High Street, which boasts several memorable buildings along its length, many of which have found mention in Charles Dickens' novels.
Guildhall Museum
Opposite the Bull Hotel stands the Guildhall, built in 1687, which now houses the Rochester town museum.
Kenneth Bills Motor Cycle Museum
At 144 High Street is the Kenneth Bills Motor Cycle Museum, which displays British motorcycles from 1921 to 1977.
Old Corn Exchange
On the left of Rochester's Guildhall, just before theturning into Northgate, is the Old Corn Exchange, easily recognizable because of its enormous clock. This building was commissioned by the member of parliament Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell in 1706 as the town's meat market and was only converted into a granary in the 19th century.
Poor Travellers House
A"Dickens house", on the left of High Street, is the Elizabethan Watt's Charity or Poor Travelers House. This was set up by Richard Watts in 1579 as overnight shelter for six poor travelers, and in so doing he established a tradition which lasted right up to World War II. Dickens mentions the house in his Christmas stories.
Eastgate House
The High Street goes downhill, past the remains of the medieval town walls, until Eastgate House is reached, built in 1590 for Sir Peter Buck, naval officer and mayor of Rochester. The house now houses the Charles Dickens Centre, in which the writer's works are brought to life by means of modern audio-visual methods. Under the name of "Nun's House" the house also features in "Edwin Drood". In the courtyard can be seen the original Swiss chalet which Dickens was given by the French actor Charles Fechter. Dickens had it installed in Gads Hill and during the summer used to spend most of his time in it.
Chatham - Charles Dickens' House
From 1817 to 1821 Charles Dickens lived at 2 Ordnance Terrace, one of a row of Georgian houses.
Restoration House
In Crow Lane, which leads off the High Street, stands Restoration House, where on May 28th 1660 Charles II spent his first night on English soil after his return from his exile in France. On application at the tourist office it is possible to visit the magnificent interior rooms, which include "Miss Havisham's Room" in Dickens' "Great Expectations".
Dickens Festival
This is a world-famous 10-day festival celebrating the classic author. The festival takes place in late May to early June and events include plays, recitals, displays, lectures, competitions and street entertainment. Costumed Dickens characters also roam the streets, providing ample photo opportunities.
Norman Weekend
This annual festival takes place in late August as a tribute to the Norman heritage. Archery, falconry, tournaments, horse shows, concerts and dance performances are only some of the events showcasing Norman England during the weekend.
Temple Manor
This is a manor house of the Knights Templar dating to the 13th C. Temple Manor features traces of wall paintings on the first floor hall.
Surroundings
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