A Castle & Forts

A castle and forts to visit in Medway.

Rochester Castle

No one can miss the great square keep of Rochester Castle as it towers above the River Medway. The site’s strategic importance dates back to Roman times, when the first fort was built here to guard the bridge connecting London to Dover.

The castle was partly demolished in 1215 at the hands of King John, who famously attacked it, burning the pit props using the fat of 40 pigs, to recapture it from the rebel noblemen. The rebuilt circular tower stands in contrast to the three remaining square ones, serving as a lasting reminder of one of the bloodiest sieges in history.

Naval forts

As a result of the Dutch raid, the first fort near Gillingham was constructed. Cookham Wood Fort, begun in 1669, was designed to hold guns on two tiers, ready to fire at hostile vessels entering Gillingham Reach.

Fort Amherst, built in 1756 to defend the naval dockyard from landward attack, features a fascinating complex of underground tunnels and chambers. These were extended in the early 19th century by French prisoners of war, creating vast underground stores, guardrooms, and barracks. Guided tours of the tunnels are available throughout the year.

As you explore Medway in more detail, you’ll discover many other forts dotted along the river’s edge. These include Fort Slough, a small artillery fort built in 1867 in Allhallows-on-Sea, as well as Fort Luton in Chatham, and Fort Hoo and Fort Darnet, each with its own fascinating story to tell.