Rochester’s Heritage Open Days

I might bump into you somewhere then, Susan! And thanks for all the extra info Maxim :)

Hi Rochester Bridge Trust is open from 10am to 4pm for the Heritage Open Days.

RARE CHANCE TO VIEW HISTORIC BRIDGE CHAPEL


The Rochester Bridge Trust’s 14th century chapel, collections of fine furniture and historic paintings of the River Medway will be open to the public from Thursday, September 9, to Sunday, September 12, as part of the national Heritage Open Days celebrations.

The Trust, one of the oldest charities in the country, maintains the chapel, which was described in 1393 as newly built. The chapel overlooks the Medway and faces on to what is now called the Esplanade.

The chapel, built by Sir John de Cobham, of Cooling Castle, is just one of six bridge chapels still standing in the country. The chapels were used by travellers and pilgrims to pray for a safe journey. At Rochester, masses were said in the chapel for Sir John de Cobham’s family.

Visitors will be able to see rare Robert “Mouseman” Thompson furniture as well as paintings and prints of bridges that have spanned the Medway over the centuries.

Guided tours of the staircase and the Bridge Chamber will be held every half hour for visitors to see the collections of Georgian furniture and historic clocks. The chamber also features bridge and naval paintings and a pencil sketch by JMW Turner.

Rochester Bridge Trust has been responsible for building and maintaining crossings over the River Medway and no public expense since medieval times.

The Trust’s chapel and chamber will be open from 10am to 4pm on each English Heritage Open Day.

For further information about Rochester Bridge Trust visit http://tinyurl.com/266v3hd To find out more about Heritage Open Days and venues go to http://tinyurl.com/2ao9346

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Notes

The Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 and is the only surviving independent bridge trust that still serves its original purpose. The Trust owns and maintains the road and service bridges over the Medway at Rochester and has contributed to the cost of many other Medway crossings over the centuries. It makes charitable grants and supports other charitable and educational projects in Kent.

The Trust’s income derives from 14th and 15th century endowments and assets are carefully managed to provide funds for bridge maintenance and future replacement as well as charitable activities. It provides its services entirely free to the public. The Trust receives no external funding and is regulated by the Charity Commission.

http://tinyurl.com/29s6b5h

Upnor Castle sounds interesting. I think it was quite important in Tudor times. And a rare chance to see the cathedral library... hmm will try to fit in these visits.