Secret Rochester

by PhilipMacDougall (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  2019

  $14.96

  Rochester in Kent has long been a strategically important town, guarding the lowest crossing of the River Medway. The diocese of Rochester dates back to the early 7th century and the Normans built both an imposing castle and a cathedral in the town following the Conquest. Despite being ringed by fortresses round the Medway guarding the sea approaches, Rochester was raided by the Dutch in the 2nd Anglo-Dutch Wars. In later years Charles Dickens lived in Rochester and based many of his novels on the area and the town was also home to Shorts Brothers aircraft manufacturing company, where it built its famous flying boats. In this book the Philip MacDougall investigates Rochester's past, including less well known events as well as some very real secret happenings. Among these were a spy-ring operating in the city, the secret hide-out of James II, the Rochester Riot and a highly secret new aircraft developed at the airport during World War 2, and the hidden secrets of Rochester Bridge crossing the River Medway. Important characters in Rochester's story include the man who created Rochester, Bishop Gundulf, appointed by William the Conqueror, the sinister Man in Black, and the mystery of Dickens' Edwin Drood which provides a hidden guide to the town. Secret Rochester explores the less well-known episodes and characters in the history of Rochester through the centuries. With tales of remarkable characters and unusual events, fully illustrated with photography, it will appeal to all those with an interest in this town in Kent.