Discover Rochester, Kent

Rochester, Kent, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eastgate,_Rochester_-_geograph.org.uk_-_897893.jpg
Author: Danny Robinson


Rochester is a town in the Medway unitary authority area of Kent, England. Located on the River Medway, about 48 km (30 mi) to the southeast of London, Rochester has a population of 27,000 people (2012 estimate).

Human habitation in the Rochester area goes back to the Stone Age, as evidence is the discovery of Neolithic remains in the surrounding area. It was one of the main settlements of the Cantiaci tribe of Celts until the Romans conquered the area. Apart from the Romans, the Rochester area was also occupied by the Jutes and the Saxons at various times.

Rochester Cathedral was established in 1080, and was rebuilt in 1227 and 1343. There are also two castles established in the town. Rochester is one of the few former cities of the United Kingdom. It lost its city status through oversight, an error not noticed by the borough council until 2002, four years after the error was made.

Rochester Castle: Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rochester_Castle_Keep_and_Bailey_0038stcp.JPG
Author: Clem Rutter


The City of Rochester underwent mergers with a number of surrounding towns and districts, first with the borough of Chatham and part of the Strood Rural District in 1974, then with the Medway towns in 1998 to create the Medway unitary authority. When outgoing council neglected to appoint ceremonial Charter Trustees to continue representing the historic Rochester area, Rochester lost its city status as a result. This technical error was only discovered four years after it was made.

Visiting Rochester

Take the A2 road out of London to reach Rochester.

Rochester Cathedral: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rochester_Cathedral_from_west.jpg
Author: Raggatt2000

Places of Interest in Rochester

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