Bridge Chapel and Chamber

While there has been a crossing over the River Medway at Rochester since Roman times, following a petition to King Richard II by two medieval knights, the Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 to maintain the bridge in perpetuity.

The medieval bridge continued to provide the only crossing at Rochester for over 450 years. With the increase in road and river traffic, a new bridge designed by Sir William Cubitt opened in 1856. It was renovated in 1914 and was later joined by a second bridge opened by HRH The Princess Margaret in 1970.

In addition to maintaining Rochester Bridge, the Trust is also custodian of a rare surviving 14th century Bridge Chapel which was sensitively restored by Sir Herbert Baker in 1937. An adjoining Victorian Chamber with beautiful views across the River Medway and Rochester Castle houses key pieces from the Trust’s art collection.

The Bridge Chapel and Chamber are open on Saturdays and the first Wednesday of the month from June to August inclusive. The building is also open on weekends during Heritage Open Days in September. The opening hours are 11am to 4pm. Entry is free and no booking is required.