Travel back in time almost 2,000 years during a free talk in Rochester’s Bridge Chapel.
Sue Threader, the Bridge Clerk [Chief Executive] of the Rochester Bridge Trust will give a free lecture about Sir William Cubitt’s archaeological discoveries of evidence of the Roman bridge.
The discoveries were made during the construction of Cubitt’s 1856 bridge at Rochester – parts of which can still be seen in today’s Old Bridge.
Sue Threader said: “Cubitt’s Rochester bridge replaced the medieval crossing, it also brought the road back in line with the original Roman bridge. The foundations of that new bridge were dug deep into the riverbed, which meant some remains of the original crossing were found. My talk will introduce those discoveries and what they can tell us about the first bridge at Rochester.”
The Roman bridge was constructed soon after the invasion of 43AD. Although much repaired, it was the primary river crossing for more than 1,000 years until it eventually collapsed in 1381. Debris from the structure remained in the river, and so when work to build the medieval bridge began, that crossing was built 100 yards upriver leaving the remains some of the remains under the river bed.
The free lecture will take place on Tuesday, 2 May, at 6.30pm promptly, in the Bridge Chapel, Rochester. Doors will open at 6pm, and tea and coffee will be served.
Tickets are limited and must be booked, either via Eventbrite or by emailing erica@maxim-pr.co.uk
The Bridge Chapel and Chamber will not be open to the general public during this lecture but anyone wishing to visit can do so on Thursdays and Saturdays until June, between 11am and 4pm. No booking is required to visit the buildings, which are fully accessible following their major refurbishment.
