Medway
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Medway from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Medway's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham
Chatham
Gun Wharf was designed by Arup Associates and was built in 1976-8 for Lloyd's of London as their administrative headquarters.
London
The Nore, Thames Estuary, off Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Believed to be the London, a second rate 'Large Ship' built in Chatham in 1656 during the Interregnum.
Jewish Burial Ground, Chatham Memorial Synagogue
Chatham
Chatham Jewish Burial Ground, attached to Chatham Memorial Synagogue. The burial ground dates from the 1780 at the latest, and was enlarged in 1868-1870, when the synagogue was rebuilt.
The Officers' Terrace, the Historic Dockyard, Chatham
Gillingham
The Officers' Terrace gardens date back to 1719, with original layout mostly intact. Following the dockyard's closure, gardens were privatized, preserving their historical character.
Chatham Ragged School
Chatham
Former ragged school, built 1858 to designs by J Young. Extensions in the late C19 and C20.
Holy Trinity Church
Gillingham
Church, built 1963-4 by Arthur Bailey, consulting engineers Messers Redpath Brown.
Coastal artillery defences on the Isle of Grain, immediat…
Isle of Grain
The Isle of Grain hosts historic artillery fortifications significant for maritime defense, reflecting Britain's military advancements and strategic importance at the River Medway mouth over...
Cliffe Explosives Works
Cliffe and Cliffe Woods
The remains of a chemical explosives factory known as Cliffe Explosives Works comprising both upstanding structures and buried remains, established in about 1890, gradually expanding in the...
Hulkes Lane Brewery Buildings
Chatham
Former brewery with phases from the C18, probably earlier, to the late C19.
Fort Pitt
Chatham
Fort Pitt, built for Chatham Dockyard's defense, played roles in military and medical history, including Florence Nightingale's first Army Medical School.
Chatham Naval War Memorial
Gillingham
Naval Memorial at Chatham, overlooking the town of Chatham from the east. Unveiled in 1924, the memorial was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer with sculpture by Henry Poole.
Rochester City Walls
Rochester
Rochester City Walls, from the 13th and 14th centuries, include Roman remnants and feature notable bastions and well-preserved sections, recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Gillingham War Memorial
Gillingham
First World War memorial by FW Doyle-Jones, 1924, with later additions.
Lodge Hill Anti-aircraft Battery
Cooling
Anti-aircraft Battery, constructed from late 1912- early 1914, Lodge Hill Ordnance Depot. Used in part for domestic purposes in the 1920s. Modified and re-armed during World War Two.
Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary of…
Rochester
The Rochester Cathedral, dating back to the 7th century, features architecture from the 12th to 15th centuries, including notable carvings, towers, and historical monuments.
Roman Catholic Church of the English Martyrs
Rochester
A large modern design of 1963-4, capturing the mood of the time of the Second Vatican Council, with a fan-shaped plan and a striking and dramatic roof profile.
254, High Street, 254, St Margaret's Banks
Rochester
A three-storey detached town house in classical Georgian style, probably mid-C18 or earlier in origin with later alterations.
Rochester Castle
Medway
Rochester Castle's tower keep is one of England's tallest, built between 1066 and 1088. It retains its medieval form, reflecting its historical defensive importance.
150, 152 and 154, High Street, 150, 152 and 154, Eastgate
Rochester
150-154 High Street, Rochester, is a 17th-century former townhouse, now three shops. It features half-timbered, brick cladding, Kent tile roofs, and ornate carved decorations.
Rochester Quaker Meeting House
Rochester
Quaker meeting house. 1780-1781 with classroom and gallery of about 1812. Extension and alterations of 1990 to the design of Belcher and Clapson.
Former Ordnance Store
Chatham
Ordnance store of c1800; early to mid-C19 wings to north, east, and west, of lesser special interest.
Former C18 barrack block, Kitchener Barracks
Chatham
Barrack block, later use as a canteen and then offices. Built 1758, with alterations in C19, altered with a major extension (which is not of special interest) in C21.
Church of St James
Isle of Grain
The Church of St James features elements from the 12th and 13th centuries, such as Norman arches and a 12th-century font, with significant renovations in the early 20th century.
Kings School and Cathedral Visitors Centre
Rochester
The Kings School and Cathedral Visitors Centre in Rochester incorporates late-medieval and early 16th-century work with a building dating mainly from 1640 and 1770.
Six sections of boundary wall
Chatham
Six sections of boundary wall relating to Chatham Infantry Barracks (now Kitchener Barracks), built 1757.
Chatham Lines, section at Chatham Gun Wharf
Medway
Chatham Lines, constructed in 1755, protected Chatham Dockyard, with notable fortifications like the Barrier Ditch at Gun Wharf.
Poor Travellers House Richard Watts Charity
Rochester
Richard Watts founded the Poor Travellers House in 1586 in Rochester for lodging poor wayfarers. It later became a museum, retaining its historical design and significance.
Cuxton Signal Box
Cuxton
Signal box, possibly 1887-9, by the South Eastern Railway Company on the Maidstone and Strood Railway (now known as the Medway Valley Line).
The Former Three Gardners Public House
Rochester
Former public house. c1700 with late C19 and C20 alterations. Fire-damaged at time of re-inspection (2010).
The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins and Attached Front Railings
Chatham
Almhouses, now sheltered housing. The original foundation was of 1592 but the almshouses were rebuilt in 1789. They were converted into flats in 1983.
The Royal Dockyard Church
Chatham
Church. 1808-1811 by Edward Holl, architect for the Navy Board. Late Georgian Classical Style.
Grain Crossing Signal Box
Isle of Grain
Signal box, 1882 by Stevens & Sons for the South Eastern Railway.
The Cottage
Chatham
A semi-detached pair of cottages, now a single dwelling, probably built in the late C18 or early C19 and certainly by 1843 on land originally owned by St Bartholomew's Hospital.
Bell Mast
Chatham
Bell mast, erected as a muster bell at Chatham Dockyard in 1903. Originated as the foremast to HMS Undaunted, fitted in 1872 (launched 1861, decommissioned 1882).
Second World War QF P-series oil bombing decoy
Allhallows
The site of a Second World War QF P-series oil bombing decoy at Allhallows on the Hoo Peninsula, dating from 1940-41.
Temple Manor, Strood
Rochester
Temple Manor, Strood is a rare medieval site significant for its historical continuity from the 12th century, linked to Knights Templar, Hospitallers, and notable English families.
Eastgate House
Rochester
Built by Sir Peter Buck in 1590-1, Eastgate House is now a museum featuring fine 16th-century plaster ceilings and significant historical architectural elements.
Medway through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Medway changes over time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion, from hunter-gatherers of several human species, including Neanderthals, to more recent herders and farmers. It was a time of developing technologies and belief systems, involving contact with and migration from Europe, all reflected in the variety of artefact and monument types characteristic of particular prehistoric periods.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Medway
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Rochester
Rochester Castle, the Cathedral and environs, Rochester, 1947
Rochester
Rochester Castle, Rochester Bridge and the River Medway, Rochester, 1948
Cliffe
The village, Cliffe, 1947
Cliffe
St Helen's Church and the village, Cliffe, 1947
Rochester
Gyproc Products Ltd Works and the Gas Works, Rochester, 1936
Limehouse Reach
Limehouse Reach, Rochester, 1965
Strood
British Sisalkraft Ltd Paper Works and the River Medway, Strood, 1949
Strood
British Sisalkraft Ltd Paper Works, Rochester Bridge and the River Medway, Strood, 1949
Hoo St Werburgh
The River Medway, Cockham Wood, Broad Street and environs, Hoo St Werburgh, 1949
Hoo St Werburgh
Highover, Hoo St Werburgh, 1949
Medway in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Medway's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Rochester, Medway
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the north showing the Georgian terraced houses forming Minor Canons' Row
Eric de Mare
Chatham, Medway
Date created: 1956
General view of the Clock Tower Offices in Chatham Naval Dockyard with tram tracks in the foreground.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Rochester, Medway
Date created: 1965
View from behind the arch and coat of arms above the Pilgrim Steps in Rochester Cathedral, looking west, showing the arches of the north aisle
John Laing Collection
Kingsnorth, Medway
Date created: 29 Jul 1965
View showing the construction of a jetty for Kingsnorth Power Station
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Rochester, Medway
Date created: 06 Jul 1909 - 09 Jul 1909
A view showing Rochester Cathedral and the surrounding buildings from an elevated position in Rochester Castle to the north-west
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Chatham, Medway
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING PEOPLE IN PARK WITH TOWN HALL IN BACKGROUND
Charles George Harper Collection
Chatham, Medway
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Detail of two date stones from unidentified buildings on The Brook
Eric de Mare
Chatham, Medway
Date created: 1956
Exterior perspective view of a storehouse in Chatham Naval Dockyard.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Rochester, Medway
Date created: 1965
The crypt of Rochester Cathedral, showing the vaulting
John Laing Collection
Kingsnorth, Medway
Date created: 11 Jan 1965
View showing the construction of a jetty for Kingsnorth Power Station
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Rochester, Medway
Date created: 06 Jul 1909 - 09 Jul 1909
A view looking through an archway in the south choir aisle, into the nave of Rochester Cathedral
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Gillingham, Medway
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING ENTRANCE TO GILLINGHAM PARK
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Medway.
The History of Religious Wall Paintings in England: From the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era
Explore England's religious wall paintings, a blend of art and spirituality spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
7 Places That Tell the Story of England’s Seaside Heritage
Mentions The Ropery and Spinning Room
Discover how the sea has impacted the history of the British Isles, from recreation and health to culture and science.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions Rochester Castle
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
Between Chatham and Rochester: The Story of Intra High Street in 6 Places
Mentions Hulkes Lane Brewery Buildings, 351, High Street, The Cottage
With its development linked to the growth of the Royal Dockyard, Chatham Intra High Street has a wealth of fascinating historic buildings.
A Guide to Norman Architecture in England
Mentions Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary of Rochester (Formerly Priory of St Andrew Was Included), Rochester Castle
Norman architecture is a style of medieval architecture built in England following the Norman conquest in 1066.
7 Treasures of the Thames Estuary
Mentions Obelisk (New London Stone), Upnor, Boundary Stone (Old London Stone) , Upnor, World War II Anti-tank Obstacles on the Foreshore
The Thames Estuary has been the traditional entry point for imports and exports, both human and material, for centuries.
A Brief History of Ship Figureheads
Mentions Ship's Figurehead from the Arethusa
Ships’ figureheads have a long history embodying religion, symbolism and superstition.
Dickens at Christmas: 7 Places to Visit Around England
Mentions Church of St James, Poor Travellers House Richard Watts Charity
Is there any novelist more closely linked with Yuletide than Charles Dickens? His story, A Christmas Carol, was an instant hit in 1843 and helped make...
Mentions Medway
Chatham Intra is the name given to an area adjoining the River Medway that links the historic settlements of Chatham and Rochester in Kent.
Between Chatham and Rochester: The Old Intra High Street
Chatham Intra is the name given to an area adjoining the River Medway that links the historic settlements of Chatham and Rochester in Kent. The area was largely undeveloped until the early 17th century before becoming built up with a mixture of commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Historic England Announces Carnival Celebrations on High Streets Across England
Mentions Medway
Hi! Street Fest, a landmark nation-wide commission with Emergency Exit Arts, marks the final year of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones Programme.
Six Seaside Gems Listed
Mentions Medway
Historic England announces the listing of six seaside heritage sites spanning some of England’s best-loved coastal locations.
HMS Arethusa Figurehead Listed at Grade II
Mentions Ship's Figurehead from the Arethusa, Figurehead Approximately 50 Metres South of Royal Dockyard Church, Medway
A wooden figurehead from the Royal Navy ship HMS Arethusa listed at Grade II.
Historic England Angel Award Winners 2018 Revealed
Mentions Medway
On Tuesday 27 November 2018 the winners of the Historic England Angel Awards 2018 were revealed at a ceremony hosted by historian Bettany Hughes
War Memorials to Airmen Listed to Mark Centenary of the Royal Air Force
Mentions McCudden War Memorial and Grave
To mark the centenary of the RAF, 14 war memorials to airmen are being listed or upgraded by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
National Collection of Sir Herbert Baker’s War Memorials Recognised
Mentions Rochester War Memorial
15 First World War memorials by Sir Herbert Baker have been listed or upgraded to commemorate the centenary of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Battle of Jutland Memorials Listed
Mentions Chatham Naval War Memorial
Historic England marks the centenary of the Battle of Jutland with new and upgraded listings
Marshlands of Kent Reveal Historic Treasures
Mentions Halstow Marshes Decoy Pond, Second World War QF P-series oil bombing decoy, Obelisk (New London Stone), Upnor
Historic England experts uncover and protect the extraordinary historic sites of the Hoo Peninsula in North Kent.
Medway's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Upnor Castle, Upper Upnor, Medway
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
Upnor Castle was built as a fort in 1559-67 to defend the new dockyards at Chatham across the water.
Upnor Castle, Upper Upnor, Medway
The Town Wall, Rochester, Medway
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
Rochester City Walls were built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries to defend the town. The corners had circular bastions to strengthen them.
The Town Wall, Rochester, Medway
The Paddock, Chatham, Kent
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
General view showing people in the park with the town hall in the background.
The Paddock, Chatham, Kent
Students practising the use of a Neil Robertson stretcher, Royal Naval Hospital, Windmill Road, Chatham, Medway
Period: World War Two (1939 - 1945)
Students practising the use of a Neil Robertson stretcher.
Students practising the use of a Neil Robertson stretcher, Royal Naval Hospital, Windmill Road, Chatham, Medway
Students practising the use of a Neil Robertson stretcher, Royal Naval Hospital, Windmill Road, Chatham, Medway
Period: World War Two (1939 - 1945)
Students practising the use of a Neil Robertson stretcher.
Students practising the use of a Neil Robertson stretcher, Royal Naval Hospital, Windmill Road, Chatham, Medway
Ropery and Spinning Room, Anchor Wharf, Chatham, Medway
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
The building is over 1,100 feet long and dates from 1785 -91.
Ropery and Spinning Room, Anchor Wharf, Chatham, Medway
Rochester Cathedral, Rochester, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The view from Rochester Castle with the Medway in the distance.
Rochester Cathedral, Rochester, Kent
Rochester Cathedral, Kent
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
An elevated view from the keep of Rochester Castle looking down towards the Cathedral.
Rochester Cathedral, Kent
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Church of St John the Divine, 10 Railway Street, Chatham, Kent
The Church of St John the Divine was built under the Church Building Act of 1818 and opened in 1821 as a Commissioners (or Waterloo) church by Sir...
Discover more
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