Step back in time when you visit a medieval Bridge Chapel that has stood on the bank of the River Medway for more than 600 years.
Rochester Bridge Chapel and the neighbouring Victorian Bridge Chamber will be reopening their doors to the public for Heritage Open Days week.
The fully-accessible buildings, which have for centuries been at the heart of the Rochester Bridge Trust, will reopen on Saturday, 7 September, from 11am until 4pm. During Heritage Open Days week they will also open on Sunday, 8; Wednesday, 11; and Saturday and Sunday 14-15, September.
The Rochester Bridge Trust’s Archives Manager Alison Cable said: “This is an opportunity for visitors to explore the buildings in their historic simplicity. Where usually we would have a themed exhibition in place, this time there is a chance to view the buildings with their permanent display of art and fine furniture.”
The medieval Bridge Chapel was first used in 1393, having been built at the end of the then new stone bridge at Rochester. Over the years its uses included as a public house and fruit and sweet shop, before falling into disrepair. It was restored in 1937.
Alongside the Chapel, there has been a Bridge Chamber of some kind for centuries, with the current building constructed in Victorian times.
Alison added: “The Chapel was originally a place for travellers to stop and pray for safe passage, while the Chamber was the place of work where the business of the Trust was carried out. Both have their own stories to tell, having watched over the bridges for many years.”
Entry is free of charge and there is no need to book. Both buildings are fully-accessible.
After Heritage Open Days week, the buildings will continue to open on Wednesdays and Saturdays until Wednesday, 23 October. Please check the website before visiting as there may be some necessary closures during this period.