Rochester Castle - England's Tallest Keep

The imposing Rochester Castle, a mighty Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone standing 113 feet, was built c. 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury. It stands on the east bank of the River Medway.

Rochester is the tallest keep (central tower) in England and has been the commanding presence of the city and river crossing for over nine centuries. The castle and keep take up half of the Roman-built walled city.

From the 12th into the 14th centuries Rochester Castle played an important role in defending against invasion and uprising threats.

After falling into disrepair, King Edward III reconstructed the castle and it was fully functional by 1400. Over the next three centuries it was, once again, neglected and vandalized until the city took command of the property.

Though the castle's center wooden flooring no longer exists there are passageways and stairs that carry visitors to the top of the keep, offering impressive views in all directions.

The English Heritage now has responsibility for preservation and its doors are open to the public. A visual tour of the Rochester Castle may be seen here: Rochester Castle at Certain Points of View. This castle is a must see when visting the South of England.

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Bodiam Castle: A Beautiful Piece of History

Bodiam Castle, located near Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England, was built in 1385 to defend the area during the Hundred Years' War against the French.

What remains today is a beautiful piece of history.

Not an overwhleming structure by any means, and small by some standards, there were design elements calculated to deceive invaders, the main one being that the moat was planned so that the sun would reflect the entirety of the castle at any time, thus making it appear larger and more forbidding.

Though it was only occupied for approximately three centuries before being partially dismantled, then left as a ruin for decades and in the mid 18th century was somewhat restored, the remains provide visitors with a fabulous walk in the past. One marvels at the workmanship dating back almost 750 years and speculates what life would have been like with a castle as a home.

Truly a unique castle in the South of England, cared for since 1925 by The National Trust.

More images are available at this link: Bodiam Castle at Flickr.

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