Rochester was an important river crossing for the Romans, but it was the Norman conquest of 1066 that had a lasting impact on Medway.   The most visible signs of the Norman invasion can be seen today at Rochester Castle, that stands proudly on the bank of the River Medway.

Rochester Castle is one of the best-preserved castles of its kind and one the tallest in England.  It was a defensive building, but also a palatial residence, with evidence of fireplaces and ornately decorated arches that can still be seen today.  

Centuries later and on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I, Upnor Castle was built to protect the Naval Dockyard against attack. This attractive turreted castle is situated on the banks of the River Medway in the picturesque village of Upper Upnor.

Today’s visitor can discover what life was like during times of war and peace through interpretation and models available at both castles.

The defence lines continue throughout area and are evidenced by the several forts that can be found in Medway.   One of the most important fortresses that can still be visited today, is the Napoleonic Fort Amherst in Chatham.  The fort was built in 1756 to protect the naval dockyard from landward attack, and houses a fascinating network of underground chambers and tunnels.

Fort Pitt also in Chatham, was built between 1805 and 1819 on the high ground of the boundary between Chatham and Rochester.  It soon became a hospital for invalid soldiers and was where Florence Nightingale started the first Army Medical School in 1860.  In the 1920s the hospital closed and the site converted into a girls school, now known as Fort Pitt Grammar School. 

As you wander around Medway, there are many more forts just waiting to be explored, like Fort Hoo and Darnet that were used as observation posts during the Second World War.

Fort Amherst and Upnor Castle along with Chatham dockyard and its other defences are on the UK shortlist as a World Heritage Site.  To find out more visit www.chathamworldheritage.co.uk