About

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.

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Disabled Access Information Provided by Bridge Chapel and Chamber

Disabled Access at Bridge Chapel and Chamber

There is a sesame lift and platform lift to facilitate access from the Bridge Chapel on the ground floor to the Bridge Chamber on the first floor. To access the Bridge Chamber on the first floor, there are 4 shallow steps which lead to the main staircase. These steps are fitted with a sesame lift for wheelchair users. The main staircase to the first floor is in 2 sections that has 11 and 10 shallow steps respectively. There is a carpet runner and a banister to the left hand side. The first floor can also be accessed via a platform lift with space for one wheelchair, or 5 people, to a maximum weight of 400kg. The platform measures 137 x 95cm and can accommodate a wheelchair up to this size.

Lift to all areas

The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to all areas.

Seating at regular intervals

Seating is available at regular intervals.

Accessible retail space

The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.

Disabled access

Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance

There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

Step-free entrance

There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

Accessible parking at Bridge Chapel and Chamber

There is ample on-street parking directly outside the Bridge Chapel and Chamber and just round the corner on Castle Hill.

Public or on street parking

Accessible parking bays are available nearby within 50 metres of the entrance.

Transport nearby Bridge Chapel and Chamber

Rochester train station is located 0.3 miles away and is easy to navigate either along the A2 or via Rochester High Street. There is step free access to all platforms at Rochester train station and accessible toilets. Many bus routes pass the Esplanade. The nearest bus stop is located opposite Castle Hill, a short walk from the entrance to the Bridge Chapel. Nu-Venture bus route 156 from The Queen Mother Court, Rochester to Chatham Waterfront Bus Station stops here.

Train station

There is an accessible train station nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers.

Bus station or stop

There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

Toilets features at Bridge Chapel and Chamber

The public toilets are located on the ground floor a short distance from the Bridge Chapel. There is an accessible toilet with a hand rail positioned to the left of the low-level WC and a pull-down handle fixed to the right of the WC. There is a small hand-basin with handles on both side and a hand–dryer. There is an alarm call system with a red pull cord located next to the WC.

Accessible toilet

A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

Accessible formats at Bridge Chapel and Chamber

Rochester Bridge Trust is developing a British Sign Language tour of the Bridge Chapel and Chamber. Tour dates and booking information will be published on the Trust's website in July 2026.

Large print

Information is available in large print format.

Sign Language

BSL interpretation is available.