During the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), a series of dynastic battles between the houses of Lancaster and York, Rochester Castle was again involved. While it did not witness a famous siege like in 1215, the castle changed hands as local loyalties shifted.
The castle’s military relevance began to decline towards the end of the 15th century due to changes in warfare, including the advent of gunpowder artillery which made traditional stone castles less impregnable.
Decline and Changing Role in the Tudor and Stuart Eras
By the Tudor period (16th century), Rochester Castle was increasingly seen as obsolete for modern military needs. The English monarchy focused on building new coastal fortifications to defend against foreign threats like the Spanish Armada.
Rochester Castle was partially dismantled and fell into disrepair. Parts of the castle were adapted for other uses, including administrative functions and as a prison.
During the English Civil War (1642–1651), the castle was briefly garrisoned but saw little active fighting. The conflict’s nature, involving sieges of newer fortifications and open-field battles, left Rochester Castle less central. shutdown123