Rochester Castle, now a ruin on the London Road in Kent, guards the Medway River crossing near Watling Street - Britain's main Roman Road. The Norman Castle was a rebel stronghold from its earliest days. After William the Conqueror died, a group of nobles supported his elder son Robert, Duke of Normandy, against the younger, William Rufus, who had inherited the throne.
A few hundred years later, in 1215, rebel barons held out for two months against an epic siege by King John. The castle remained a fortress until the 15th century.
The Tour de France cyclists didn't have time to take much of this in, but you can. The Rochester Castle is maintained by English Heritage and The Medway Council and is open to the public:
- Where: Rochester Castle, Kent ME1 1SW, England. By Rochester Bridge, near Junction 1 of the M2. Half mile from Rochester train station.
- Opening times: March 31 to October 31, every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 1 to March 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
- Admission: Adults £4, Children and Concessions £3, Family Ticket £11
- Telephone: +44 (0)1634 402276
- Website