During the 1215 siege, King John used the fat of 40 pigs to fuel a fire that collapsed the castle's south-east corner.
The castle keep features a rare surviving example of a 'forebuilding' used to protect the main entrance stairs.
Rochester Castle is built upon the site of the ancient Roman city walls of Durobrivae.
The interior of the keep was designed with a central partition wall to allow for structural floor joists to span the width of the building.
The castle was used as a quarry for building materials in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to the loss of much of the outer curtain wall.
King John's siege in 1215 is recorded as one of the largest and most expensive military sieges in English history.
Rochester Castle features one of the best-preserved 12th-century Norman keeps in England, standing at 113 feet tall. Built primarily by William de Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1127, the stone structure replaced an earlier wooden motte-and-bailey fortress. The keep's walls are 12 feet thick at the base, constructed from Kentish ragstone. It played a significant role during the First Barons' War, enduring a brutal siege by King John in 1215 where his forces undermined the south-east tower. The castle underwent major repairs under Henry III and Edward I following repeated attacks. It remained a defensive position until the 16th century when it fell into disrepair. Today, visitors can ascend the keep to view the River Medway and the surrounding Medway valley. The site is managed by English Heritage and maintains its original defensive footprint.
The grassy bailey area provides the best perspective for capturing the full height of the keep against the sky.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the historic stone staircases within the keep are uneven and steep.
Bring a windbreaker or warm layer, as the roof-level platform is exposed to strong river winds.
Utilize the provided audio guide to better understand the specific architectural defensive features.
Do not attempt to navigate the interior spiral staircases if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Operating hours often change seasonally, with reduced access during winter months; check English Heritage status for potential maintenance closures.
Maintain caution on narrow stone stairs; do not lean on historic masonry or climb on exposed wall remnants.
