Was Rochester Castle a Motte and Bailey?
Rochester castle was first built shortly after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 CE and the subsequent Norman conquest of England and is mentioned in Domesday Book (1086-7 CE). This largely wooden structure, likely a motte and bailey castle, included a curtain wall and dry moat.
Where was Rochester Castle and town walls built?
The fortification was an earth and timber ringwork castle built in the south-western corner of the former Roman town defences. The new castle straddled these ancient walls, presumably to reduce construction time. In 1067 William I granted the title of Earl of Kent to his half brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux.
Is Rochester nice place to live?
The town is also served by high-speed trains that take an estimated 34 minutes from the city centre to St Pancras. The crime levels are relatively low compared to the average crime levels of the neighbouring towns. In fact, Rochester is considered to be one of the safest places to live in the UK.
What is special about Rochester Castle?
Built to command an important river crossing, the castle built in stone by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, in the 1080s was one of the earliest such buildings in England. The castle endured three sieges, including a famous assault by King John in 1215, when one corner of the keep was destroyed.
Why was Rochester Castle so important in medieval times?
Situated on the River Medway and Watling Street, Rochester served as a strategically important royal castle. During the late medieval period it helped protect England’s south-east coast from invasion.
Where was Rochester Castle in the First Barons War?
First Barons’ War. 1215-1217. Rochester Castle stands on the east bank of the River Medway in Rochester, Kent, South East England. The 12th-century keep or stone tower, which is the castle’s most prominent feature, is one of the best preserved in England or France.
Who was the Bishop of Rochester who built the castle?
Built to command an important river crossing, the castle built in stone by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, in the 1080s was one of the earliest such buildings in England.
How many floors does Rochester Castle have?
Its Norman tower-keep of Kentish ragstone was built about 1127 by William of Corbeil, Archbishop of Canterbury, with the encouragement of Henry I. Consisting of three floors above a basement, it still stands 113 feet high.
How long did the siege of Rochester Castle last?
On the 11th October 1215, William de Albini and Reginald de Cornhill, accompanied by a large group of knights, defied King John. The siege lasted seven weeks whilst the King and his army battered the castle walls with a five stone-throwing machine.