Following the turmoil of the early 13th century, Rochester Castle continued to play a military role throughout the medieval period. The castle’s importance waned somewhat as England’s political situation stabilized, but it remained a key stronghold in Kent. During the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), a series of dynastic battles between the

Rochester Castle’s history is particularly marked by its role in the power struggles of medieval England. Its most famous episode is the dramatic siege of 1215 during the First Barons’ War, a civil conflict triggered by King John’s heavy-handed rule and refusal to abide by the Magna Carta. Background In 1215, rebellious barons, dissatisfied

By the early 12th century, wooden fortifications were increasingly replaced by more durable stone structures. Rochester Castle’s stone keep was begun around 1127 under the direction of Bishop Gundulf of Rochester, a renowned architect and monk who also oversaw the construction of the White Tower at the Tower of London. The square stone keep of

Rochester Castle, standing proudly on the banks of the River Medway in Kent, England, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval fortresses in the country. With a history spanning over nine centuries, Rochester Castle has witnessed pivotal moments in English history, from Norman conquest and medieval warfare to political intrigue and