Rochester Castle

Day 276 - Rochester Castle is one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. It's great square keep was built from Kentish ragstone around 1127 and is one of the tallest in the country measuring 113 feet high, 70 feet square and has walls 12 feet thick in places.

The castle has a chequered history, having been subjected to sieges three times and in 1215 partly demolished by King John, who gained entry by undermining the south-east tower, using the fat from 40 pigs to set fire to the wooden pit props.

If you look at the left hand side of the picture you can see the rebuilt round tower, contrasting with the other square towers of the original Norman castle.

[Alex G.]

It is certainly in good condition. Thank you for the background info. Good lighting to bring out the texture.

[Mandy]

Great story with this lovely picture - reminds me of York a little.

[BeckyJo]

So interesting! So incredibly old, it’s amazing it’s still standing.

[Michelle]

@alex_g @mandygravil @beckyk365 Thank you for your comments 😊 I've been passed this Castle many times but have never ventured in until now, this being due to the purchased an English Heritage membership. It wasn't until we went in that I realised that it's a shell, there are no original floors in the middle!