FOR AGES 1 YEARS TO 99 YEARS
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Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
In the picturesque town of Rochester, England, stands a castle, a stone tower rich with history and charm. This magnificent structure is none other than Rochester Castle, a place that seems to transport visitors back to a time of knights, battles, and royal grandeur. Erected in the 12th century, the castle's towering walls and impressive keep are among the best-preserved in all of England.
Those who visit the Rochester castle remains can explore captivating dungeons, marvel at the new stone castle and breathtaking panoramic vistas, and immerse themselves in a living piece of history. Families with little explorers will delight in special events that bring the castle's rich past to life, igniting the imaginations of young and old alike. Rochester Castle is one of Europe's most iconic English Heritage sites and one of the earliest English castles built. Built by the Bishop of Rochester in a small Roman town, it is best known for its splendid stone curtain wall, magnificent keep, and role in English history. Unfortunately, the stone castle was abandoned after extensive damage during the sieges, which left it unfit to serve as a royal residence. Relive the castle's rich history among its once-mighty, now crumbling stones.
Rochester Castle is located in Kent, South East England, on the east bank of the River Medway. The castle's most notable feature is a stone tower from the 12th century called The Keep. It is among the best-preserved structures in England or France to date.
Rochester Castle's Keep is seen as an architectural marvel in Europe with a rich history. The interior of the stone castle's outer walls stands as a testament to the complexity and intricacy of medieval art of Norman design, despite being known for its simplicity compared to cathedrals and other grand structures of that time.
Rochester castle is located at a vital Medway River bridge inside the ancient Roman city walls of Rochester. The spectacular Norman stronghold, which has a roughly square layout, dominates the site. The bailey, which structures would have inhabited in the middle of the 13th Century, surrounds the southeast tower of the keep and is now home to the Castle Gardens.
The size of the old main bailey and the Castle Gardens are quite comparable. The keep is located in the southwest corner, and the entrance to the northeast is close to the location of the major gatehouse from medieval times.
The several structures that once stood within the bailey during the Middle Ages are barely discernible among the contemporary flat lawns that have replaced more ornate Victorian gardens.
Due to its impressive height, standing at 125 ft (38 m), the keep is among the most spectacular remaining medieval castle structures. The building's corners and arched windows are made of precisely cut Caen stone from Normandy, while most of the external walling is made of uneven courses of Kentish ragstone.
Despite the erosion of many window moldings, enough remains to demonstrate that the higher levels' windows were bigger and more complex than those lower down, with recognizable chevron carvings around the arches.
These variations indicated how the floors were decorated according to their importance. Contrary to the square turrets on the other corners, the keep's southeast turret has a circular design. After the original square tower fell during the siege of 1215, it was rebuilt in the 1220s.
The first-floor rectangular turret facing the north front served as the main entrance to the keep. The front door was located at the top of an exterior step. This door led to a waiting area from which an inner door into the main portion of the keep was accessible behind a portcullis.
The keep's interior is just as impressive if not more than its spectacular outside. It is a vast, roofless expanse that was built in the 17th Century and continues to do so to date.
Deep sockets indicate the levels of the missing timber floors, and remnants of windows, bathrooms, and fireplaces can be found on the exterior walls. In the towers to the east and west, there were spiral stairs.
The keep's main state rooms were located on the second story, above two ground-floor chambers, a basement, and storerooms (probably for the garrison).
The exquisite arcade that separates the second floor features round columns, scalloped capitals, and round-headed arches with chevron detailing.
On the second floor, a gallery extends within the thickness of the outer walls. Before the 1215 siege, there may have been a tall niche in this wall that contained a throne or table for the King, according to changes in its level at the southeast corner.
A chapel can be found to the north. Although remarkably bare of sculptured adornment, it likely had wall paintings as part of its original decoration.
The floor above, which was once directly beneath the roofs, most likely served as the King's quarters, complementing the second floor's more open hall.
The east and west sides of the curtain walls surrounding the castle bailey still exist. Herringbone brickwork, early battlements, and rare upstanding material from the 11th Century are all found in the west wall.
The nearby section of the wall was once a two-story chamber block constructed by Henry III in the 1220s.
The King also ordered the construction of the round drum tower in the southeast bailey. The castle underwent a refortification in the 1370s, under the reign of Edward III, which is evidenced by the features of the eastern wall and its two rectangular towers.
1. What is Rochester Castle made out of?
Rochester Castle was built mainly from Kentish Ragstone.
2. Why does Rochester Castle have one round tower?
The original tower of Rochester Castle collapsed during the 1215 siege when King John and his army set it alight. It was replaced in 1226 with a round tower, which is believable to be stronger and more durable than the traditional square ones.
3. Was Rochester Castle a Motte and Bailey?
Rochester Castle is considered to have originally been built with a motte and bailey.
4. What special features does Rochester Castle have?
Rochester Castle is best known for its round tower, which is one of the tallest of its kind in England, its iconic keep, and the thickness of its walls, which are no less than 12 ft (3.6 m) in many places.
5. How long did Rochester Castle take to build?
Various components were added to Rochester Castle over the years.
6. Wow old is Rochester Castle?
The original castle, known as 'Boley Hill', was built presumably around 1066-1067 by the Normans.
7. Who was Rochester Castle built for?
Rochester Castle was originally built as a point of defense after the Norman Conquest. It was gifted by William the Conqueror to his half-brother, Bishop Odo.
Exploring Rochester Castle is truly like stepping into a different era, filled with historical allure and architectural marvels. The pros of a visit are abundant, from the well-preserved keep that whispers tales of the past to the breathtaking views that offer a snapshot of England's stunning landscapes. But do remember, like many historic sites, some areas closely linked to the castle and residential buildings may be less accessible for those with mobility issues, so planning is wise. Families will find joy in the engaging activities often hosted on the grounds, making the past come alive for young adventurers. Whether it's a passionate history lover or a curious sightseer, Rochester Castle has something for everyone.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rochester-castle/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/discover_kent/castles_houses/rochester.shtml
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Rochester-Castle/
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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