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Rochester Castle |
The most surprising thing visible from the battlements of Rochester Castle is another relic of the defensive past, a WWII submarine in the Medway, Very rusty and no help to National Security, but still a danger to shipping.
The castle itself is a magnificent example of Norman Architecture, built by Bishop Gundalf for WIlliam Rufus, the unpopular son of William the Conqueror. The first castle built here was wooden, very shortly after the conquest. Most of what remains is true to the early concept, and bears a strong resemblance to the Tower of London, built by the same Gundalf.
Richard the Lionheart took it with ease when he returned from captivity in Germany in 1194, after Prince John had stolen it from him.
Prince John himself besieged it after signing Magna Carta, when he was none too pleased with his barons. It took over a month and he finally used 40 fat pigs to undermine a tower by fire.
The castle itself is a magnificent example of Norman Architecture, built by Bishop Gundalf for WIlliam Rufus, the unpopular son of William the Conqueror. The first castle built here was wooden, very shortly after the conquest. Most of what remains is true to the early concept, and bears a strong resemblance to the Tower of London, built by the same Gundalf.
Richard the Lionheart took it with ease when he returned from captivity in Germany in 1194, after Prince John had stolen it from him.
Prince John himself besieged it after signing Magna Carta, when he was none too pleased with his barons. It took over a month and he finally used 40 fat pigs to undermine a tower by fire.
Rows of holes seen here at battlement level were to take the wooden structure of the roof. Now there is a wide-mesh nest over the roof space... why?..
The castle holds a miniature of itself in its prime which shows how buildings and structures existed within the bailey.
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The holes here on the top of the tower were for pigeons to nest in, so that the castle had fresh pigeon for pies. Now the pigeons get their revenge, and nets are everywhere to stop vast numbers nesting in the rafter holes..
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