Rochester in Kent is a small town on the Medway, punching way above its weight with a castle, cathedral and plenty of Dickensian links. I've already shared some of the
quirks and unusual sights of Rochester (as well as a cheeky hack for getting there), so here are a few more snaps from the few hours we spent there on a chilly Sunday in January:
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The bridge over the Medway between Rochester and Strood is very elaborate and well-decorated - check out the crown above the lamp. Yet it's also a very industrial design, with huge steel spans. Quite the juxtaposition. |
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You didn't think you'd get away without a shot of the castle, did you? It's extremely square style may look familiar - it was designed by the same monk responsible for the White Tower at the Tower of London. No time to go inside on our visit though... |
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A view of Rochester Cathedral through the walls of the lawn at Rochester Castle. |
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Plenty of cafes and restaurants to please tourists |
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One of the remaining town gates, along with one of the town's many wonky buildings. |
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The town is a real architectural mishmash, with buildings from a variety of time periods. |
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Looking south down Rochester High Street, with many different architectural styles. It reminds me of the lower half of Lewes High Street in East Sussex. |
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I can never resist a quirky sweet shop, there's something charming about them. Managed to bag myself a treat while we were there |
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The Deaf Cat Cafe on Rochester High Street, apparently named after a... deaf cat, which used to sit with Charles Dickens as he wrote. |
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Inside the Deaf Cat Cafe, because we were in need of refreshment. The hot chocolate was indeed yummy, the cookies somewhat less enthralling. |
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More Dickensian references on the High Street. You don't often see old-fashioned greengrocer shops anymore - Rochester has a lovely olde worlde charm to it. |
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No idea what the decor of this distance marker is, but I'm guessing it's nothing to do with Dickens. |
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As you get towards the bottom end of the High Street, look up and you''ll see plenty of ghostsigns... |
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...including this one, which is topped off by a more modern mural of Dickens. |
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The High Street is home to the former French Hospital, now used as mews housing, but a few hints at its past can still be seen |
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I was charmed by this door. Serious case of door envy and door goals going on. |
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Thanks for sharing the great photos. It looks like you had such a wonderful day seeing all the sights. Have a great day and a very enjoyable upcoming new year.
ReplyDeleteGreg Prosmushkin