Find out more about a prominent historic member of Rochester’s community when you visit a free of charge summer exhibition.
Dr John Thorpe was an antiquarian, physician, and a Senior Warden of the Rochester Bridge Trust, as well as being a Fellow of the Royal Society. He died in 1750, having lived for many years in Rochester.
An exhibition dedicated to Dr Thorpe and displaying his portrait will open within the medieval Bridge Chapel and Victorian Bridge Chamber at Rochester, when visitors can find out more about this interesting character from history while also exploring the historic buildings.
The Rochester Bridge Trust’s Archives Manager Alison Cable said: “Dr Thorpe was an interesting man for both the Trust and the community, his research into the history of the Diocese of Rochester took many years and was published posthumously in 1769. He also had a significant impact on the Rochester Bridge Trust, including personally designing our first coat of arms – which can be seen displayed in various places on the Old Bridge and in the Bridge Chapel.”
The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, 4 June. Open days will take place every Saturday and on the first Wednesday of the month until the end of August. Entry is free of charge and there is no need to book. Both buildings are fully-accessible.
In addition to the open days, a series of free of charge lectures will be held throughout the summer. The first, The life and work of Dr John Thorpe, will take place on Thursday, 26 June. Tickets are free but must be booked. They will be available soon via: https://rbt.org.uk/events-resources/forthcoming-events/