Rochester Castle

The highest surviving Norman keep in Britain, dating from 1127, Rochester Castle was also one of the earliest to be constructed. As at the Tower of London and Colchester Castle, the Norman builders made use of pre-existing Roman fortifications. In 1215 the keep was besieged and undermined by King John, who rebuilt the collapsed south east corner with a less vulnerable round tower, influencing the construction of castles throughout medieval Europe.

For several centuries it was one of the four main royal castles in southern England but by the 17th century was surplus to the requirements of the state. Neglected and derelict, it become a spectacular ruin, without floors or roof despite its fine historic features, including the hall arcade and early arched fireplaces.

We carried out archival historic research into the history and development of the keep and prepared a conservation statement to highlight its importance and ensure an informed approach to its conservation. We also carried out site inspections from a high level access hoist to assess the condition of the eroding Kentish Rag stone masonry walls, which in places are now dangerous due to falling stones.

Our strategy for the keep includes re-visiting the possibility of re-roofing it to help protect the structure and fragile details from the weather and resulting deterioration. We have also recommended putting the castle's survival on a sustainable footing by re-flooring the keep to provide much-needed space for a heritage centre and civic functions.

As a result, further detailed studies and negotiations are proceeding and it is to be hoped that the keep may once again become a key building in the social life of the city, as well as being preserved as a spectacular townscape feature and heritage asset.

To link to the local restoration campaign click here.