Visit our medieval Bridge Chapel and Victorian Bridge Chamber

A chance to see inside two of Rochester Bridge Trust’s historic buildings which are situated on the Esplanade overlooking the River Medway at Rochester.
The Bridge Chamber was formerly the administrative office of the Rochester Bridge Trust and is still used for meetings and events. It was built in 1879, to replace an older building on the same site, under the watchful eye of Kent architect, Martin Bulmer. Alongside the Bridge Chamber is the medieval Bridge Chapel, completed in 1393, which, at that time would have been situated at the end of the medieval Rochester Bridge. It was built by Sir John de Cobham one of the founders of the Rochester Bridge Trust. This wonderful building was found to be derelict at the start of the twentieth century and was totally refurbished in 1937 by Sir Herbert Baker. Few bridge chapels survive, and this is a rare opportunity to see inside Rochester’s surviving example, and to learn a something of its history, its architectural features, and stained glass windows. The Bridge Chapel contains a bespoke Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson table with matching chairs, designed especially for the Trust in 1937.
See if you can spot the carved mice!
You may also get to meet some of the current Bridge Wardens and Assistants who will be happy to answer questions.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

11am -4pm

Sunday 14 September:

11 am-4pm

Saturday 20 September:

11 am-4pm

Sunday 21 September:

11am-4pm

Location & directions

The Bridge Chamber, 5 The Esplanade, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1QE

Directions:

The Bridge Chapel and Chamber are situated a short walk along the Esplanade from Rochester High Street, and at the junction with Castle Hill.

Contact on day:

Alison Cable

Telephone number:

+447749380119

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Please do not bring food or drink into the buildings. Assistance dogs only. If more than 50 visitors are in the building at any time, our stewards may ask you to wait briefly before being admitted.

Additional information

The Bridge Chapel and Chamber are Grade II listed

Max no of people per tour:

50

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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