1066

1086

Castle mentioned in Domesday Book

Rochester Castle is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

1087-9

Stone castle built at Rochester

Timber castle rebuilt in stone (with the exception of the keep) for William Rufus by the great medieval builder Gundulf, bishop of Rochester.

1088

The first siege at Rochester Castle

Rochester Castle is fortified against William Rufus by Odo, the quarrelsome bishop Bayeux and Earl of Kent. The problem arises because William the Conqueror, who dies in 1087, leaves Normandy to his eldest son Robert and England to his second son William Rufus. Odo leads a conspiracy to put Robert on the English throne but is besieged at Rochester by William Rufus's army. Plagued by disease, the garrison soon makes terms, and Odo goes into exile.

1127

Building of keep begins

The building of the keep – a stronghold in the shape of a square tower – at Rochester Castle begins.

1215

King John's siege

King John besieges Rochester castle – which is held by rebel barons – during October and November. After a dramatic seven week siege, he finally undermines its walls by collapsing a tunnel beneath them.

1220s

Henry III repairs Rochester Castle

Henry III, King John's son, repairs the damage to the castle, replacing the fallen square tower of the keep with the rounded one we see today.

1264

Rochester Castle attacked

Rochester receives another battering, this time during the civil war between Henry III and Simon de Montfort. Held by supporters of Henry III, it is attacked by two rebel armies. The outside wall is breached again, but the keep is saved by the arrival of a relieving royalist force.

1367-1383

Rochester Castle repaired

Edward III makes repairs to the castle in response to the growing threat of French raiding parties during the Hundred Years War. By 1400, the castle had once again attained its maximum defensive capability.

c1500-
c1600

Rochester Castle neglected

After the arrival of the Tudor dynasty, Rochester Castle falls into neglect as Henry VII forbids his nobles from having private armies or private castles. A domestic fire destroys the interior of the keep.

1870

Rochester Castle grounds leased

Rochester Castle grounds are leased to the City of Rochester and turned into a public pleasure garden.

1884

Rochester Castle sold

Rochester Castle is purchased by the City of Rochester for £6,572.

1984

English Heritage steps in

Back to top