Rochester, Kent

Milk boy

I was a milk boy for Bourne and Hilliers in the 1970s. I would oftern go to the Red Lion after my rounds on pay day for a pint or two and throw some darts - Tom was the landlord of the Red Lion at that time. Where the police warden stands in this picture now sits a round about. The... [more]

THE CASTLE TEA ROOMS

I lived at the Castle Tea Rooms from 1953 untill 1976, my mother and father ran the tea rooms. I would love to hear from anyone who passed over the doorstep to enjoy my mum's scones.

Traffic Jams at Star Hill

I regularly went across this junction on the bus to and from home in Rochester and school at Chatham between 1955 and 1961. The Gaumont cinema was directly across the road from Bourne & Hilliers Dairy. I went to Saturday morning pictures, and ocassionally to the Victor Sylvester Ballroom Dancing classes, also at the cinema. Unlike the photo, Star Hill and... [more]

Rochester Sweeps Festival and Whitethorn Morris

The Rochester Sweeps festival celebrates the traditional May Day holiday that chimney sweeps used to enjoy. It is a glorious mixture of dancing, music and dressing up with visitors from all over Britain bringing their entertainment to Rochester High Street each year.

The festival attracts morris dancers and musicians who are delighted to perform in front of the... [more]

Kent Photographic Memories

Founded by the Romans, where Watling Street bridged the Medway, Rochester has been important for nearly 2,000 years. The cathedral, founded in AD 604, is second only to Canterbury in age. It was rebuilt by the Normans, who also built the castle. The town retains its ancient High Street, with many fine buildings including College Gate. Charles Dickens knew the city well.

50 Classics - Cathedrals

Rochester Cathedral, founded in 604, is second only to Canterbury in age. It was rebuilt by the Normans, who also built Rochester's castle, from which we view the cathedral in this photograph. The central tower was rebuilt in 1904 and crowned with a spire.

Kent Photographic Memories

This fascinating view of Rochester Cathedral was taken from the castle. The central tower was rebuilt ten years later, and was crowned with a spire. Beyond is a glimpse of the industrial Medway.