Rochester in Medway, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The River Crossing
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 26, 2025
1. The River Crossing Marker
Inscription.
The River Crossing. . You are standing on a 19th century reconstruction of a fortified bastion, which was built between 1378 and 1383. It would have overlooked the Rochester entrance to the old bridge over the Medway, which crossed the river above 100 yards upstream of the bridges you can see today. All that remains of it is the stone balustrade you can see along the riverbank, which was moved there when the bridge was demolished in 1852. The view to your left shows how much of the river foreshore has been reclaimed in order to build the road and gardens. During the medieval period, the water at high tide would have lapped against the small cliff on which the castle is built, making its high walls seem even more formidable., (French not transcribed)
You are standing on a 19th century reconstruction of a fortified bastion, which was built between 1378 and 1383. It would have overlooked the Rochester entrance to the old bridge over the Medway, which crossed the river above 100 yards upstream of the bridges you can see today. All that remains of it is the stone balustrade you can see along the riverbank, which was moved there when the bridge was demolished in 1852. The view to your left shows how much of the river foreshore has been reclaimed in order to build the road and gardens. During the medieval period, the water at high tide would have lapped against the small cliff on which the castle is built, making its high walls seem even more formidable.
(French not transcribed)
Erected by English Heritage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1378.
Location. 51° 23.447′ N, 0° 30.07′ E. Marker is in Rochester, England, in Medway. It can be reached from Esplanade. On the grounds of Rochester Castle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5 Esplanade, Rochester, England ME1 1LF, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
