Jack Cogger
12th March 2026


Chatham Intra is an area linking both Rochester and of course, Chatham. It has been a site of breweries, synagogues, a trade hub and a sanctuary for the ill. This rich history is often forgotten or relegated to the pages of history.

The majestic-looking synagogue has an interesting story dating back to the 18th century. The land had been given to the Jewish community by a person staying at St Bartholomew’s Hospital up the hill, directly behind the present site of the synagogue.

 

The original Synagogue was also distinct in its appearance as the clock face was decorated with Hebrew characters, a unique addition to buildings in the area. The more recent and grand-looking synagogue was built by Simon Magnus in memory of his son, Captain Lazarus Magnus, with his name engraved above the doorway of this impressive building.
Captain Lazarus Magnus, although he was never a Captain of a ship himself, was very much a leader in this area of Medway, providing much to the people of the area. His friendship with Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his work on the telegraph, railroads, and his assistance in the famous SS Great Eastern are all defining points in this great man's life. His contributions to the area led to his father personally having this new Synagogue built, and it is a place where people still come together as a community today.
Located just behind the Synagogue is an incredibly imposing-looking building, which was once St Bartholomew’s Hospital (now residential).

Bishop Gundulf, the chief engineer of Rochester Cathedral and castle, as well as the primary builder of The White Tower of London, was instructed to construct a hospital outside the City walls for those suffering from ailments, most notably leprosy. The hospital has been extremely important to the area, and it was one of the oldest in the entire country. We even see the lasting impacts of Florence Nightingale, who worked at nearby Fort Pitt, teaching nursing to locals.
Nearby is Featherstone's department store. Originally built for the Hulkes brewing family, it later became a furniture, carpet, and hardware department of Featherstones in the 1920s.

The Featherstone family was very important to this area, alongside other notable families such as the Hulkes and the Arkcolls, who helped develop the area we call Chatham Intra.