An exhibition telling the 2,000-year story of Rochester’s bridges and the 600-year-old organisation which now owns and maintains them has been given an extended run, thanks to the popularity of its displays.
The Rochester Bridge Trust’s Bridge Works exhibition reveals the mysteries of one of the country’s oldest charities, and it is on display in the Crypt of Rochester Cathedral.
The free exhibition combines historic documents with life-size models, and is designed to appeal to all ages and levels of interest. There is also a dedicated children’s area, which – thanks to a roaring lion – has proved popular with all ages.
Sue Threader, Bridge Clerk at the Rochester Bridge Trust, explained: “When we started creating the Bridge Works exhibition we were determined to make it as interesting as possible for people from all areas of the community. A lot is unknown about the Trust, and we wanted to introduce people to the story and help them to understand the impact the bridges have had on life by the River Medway.
“We’ve been incredibly pleased by the level of interest the exhibition has achieved and how many people visit – with many telling us they have returned to find out more or bring others along. Extending the exhibition by another few months means even more people will have the opportunity to see the display.”
Included in the exhibition are many items not previously put on public display, such as the seal of Elizabeth I.
Sue added: “As well as adults and families, the exhibition has proved popular with schools. To make it easier for these larger groups to visit the exhibition, a grant has been made available to pay for transport. Information about this can be found in the exhibition section of our website.”
The exhibition, which had been due to run until June, has now been extended to the end of October 2018.
Subject to cathedral commitments, Bridge Works is open daily, from 10am until 4pm, or 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.
A free lecture has also been scheduled, for Tuesday, 26th June. This is a repeat of a previous, over-subscribed, talk about the exhibition. To reserve a place email sue@maxim-pr.co.uk.
You can find out more about the exhibition at www.rbt.org.uk/bridgeworks.