30/09/2023
If you’re planning your wedding then pop along to see our lovely team.
Guildhall Museum Rochester
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The Rochester Guildhall was built in 1687 and is one of the finest 17th-century civic buildings in K
(22)
17/08/2023
🤦🏻♀️ One of our visitors has left their fluffy friend behind. If that was you, simply pop along to the museum, describe your friend & we will reunite you. In the meantime we will ensure they get lots of cuddles. 🤦🏻♀️
10/08/2023
06/08/2023
📜 Have you heard the myths and legends of the Crusading force? Well, after this experience… you’ll never forget - this Sunday, 6 August at Rochester Castle🏰
⚔These legendary soldiers protected the holy lands and the pilgrims who travelled them. Hear how the crusaders dissolved after accusations of fraud, financial corruption and secrecy and led to the immediate arrest and seizure of all assets of the templars💰
There's plenty of live interpretations at Rochester Castle this month, so head on over to the VisitMedway site and keep a close eye on our social media👀
Find out more: https://orlo.uk/7EOx9
28/07/2023
This Sunday at Rochester Castle.
👑 It is 1215, and whilst we may be entering the golden age of book making, this tale is one you can’t simply read about - so come and learn about 'The Siege' at Rochester castle this Sunday, 30 July🏰
Listen to the childhood experience of a terrified infant, confined in the castle during the siege by King John and his band of Barons; as he wallows in telling you how the city was ransacked, the Medway bridge destroyed, the castle attacked, and the rebellion snuffed out⚔
There is plenty of live interpretations of history and heritage this summer at Rochester Castle, so head on over to VisitMedway and keep a close eye on our social media👀
🔎Find out more: https://orlo.uk/MDTCs
28/07/2023
Did you visit us this week & lose a bag? If so, give us a call on 01634 332680 & tell us what it looked like. We can then put you in touch with the person who found it.
21/07/2023
Our popular Summer Trails are back for 2023! Collect all 5 badges and claim your £5 voucher to spend in our gift shops.
Visit Medway Visit Kent Enjoy Medway
04/07/2023
Sad news. Please let Restoration House know if you hear or see anything.
UPDATE!!! SHE HAS BEEN... RETURNED!!!!!
A massive THANK YOU to the 174 of you who shared this across Facebook. She has been returned to her home. Robert is incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for your kind and generous comments and thoughts, and to those of you who knowingly, or otherwise, helped with her safe return.
People power at it's best!
Follow on Instagram to see Robert's response.
STOLEN FROM RESTORATION HOUSE, ROCHESTER:
The following is reproduced from the Restoration House Instagram account:
'In our 23 years of being open to the public we have been delighted in the fact that nothing has been stolen. But, this week this little Roman white slip terracotta head was stolen.
It's only about 2 inches tall, but powerfully and perfectly modelled and it was the first antiquity I ever bought and I shall miss it greatly.
Should the thief be reading this I can only ask you return it to restore my faith in keeping the house open.
We open the house for the immense pleasure it gives and the goodwill it creates. Please don't destroy that.
Post it back, no questions asked'
We can only echo Robert's words. If treasured items of all kinds, periods of history etc cannot be displayed and the venue owners are forced to close, Rochester - and the rest of Medway - will suffer.
If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this piece, please get in touch with Restoration House, Crow Lane, Rochester, ME1 1RF.
03/07/2023
A great way to explore the history of the county, we’re proud to be part of the Wheels of Time scheme.
30/06/2023
Our sister site is open tomorrow.
Open from 11 to 3 on Saturday 1st July 😁
21/06/2023
If you’re looking for a learning experience for your children over the next few weeks we have an array of free children’s worksheets to help our younger visitors get the most out of their museum experience.
16/02/2023
Yesterday it was our honour to present Laurence with his Bronze Wheels of Time badge. He told us all about the wonderful museums he has visited & that he has highlighted a lot to visit in the future. Congratulations Laurence, we’re so pleased you are enjoying the scheme.
14/02/2023
And we are one of those venues.
💘 Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the couples who tied the knot with us in 2022!
has many enchanting and memorable spots for an unforgettable occasion. 🏰💍
Check out our wedding brochure for more info: https://orlo.uk/n6d9i
14/02/2023
This half-term week at The Guildhall Museum, why not make your Valentine a mosaic heart? ❤️🧡💛💚💙
📅Tue 14, 10am - 4pm
📅Wed 15, 10am - 4pm
📅Thu 16, 10am - 4pm
📅Fri 17, 10am - 3pm
Admission is free, as well as the activity.
08/02/2023
04/02/2023
Our sister site is open today. Why not pop along?
Today we are open from 11 to 3 (Saturday 4th February)
20/01/2023
🗣 Did you attend a festive event in ? Let us know what you thought of Rochester Christmas Market and the Dickensian Christmas Festival, for the chance to win a family ticket to Medway's new food festival this spring.
🎁 Complete our short survey and you will be automatically entered in a prize draw, where one lucky winner will receive a family ticket to Medway Food & Drink Festival, 31 Mar - 2 Apr, in Rochester Castle Gardens.
💬 Start Now: https://orlo.uk/HnHpm
Zoom Events
15/01/2023
🗣 Did you attend a festive event in ? Let us know what you thought of Rochester Christmas Market and the Dickensian Christmas Festival, for the chance to win a family ticket to Medway's new food festival this spring.
🎁 Complete our short survey and you will be automatically entered in a prize draw, where one lucky winner will receive a family ticket to Medway Food & Drink Festival, 31 Mar - 2 Apr, in Rochester Castle Gardens.
💬 Start Now: https://orlo.uk/Kx9YS
Zoom Events
11/01/2023
🗣 Did you attend a festive event in ? Let us know what you thought of Rochester Christmas Market and the Dickensian Christmas Festival, for the chance to win a family ticket to Medway's new food festival this spring.
🎁 Complete our short survey and you will be automatically entered in a prize draw, where one lucky winner will receive a family ticket to Medway Food & Drink Festival, 31 Mar - 2 Apr, in Rochester Castle Gardens.
💬 Start Now: https://orlo.uk/uBrnx
Zoom Events
06/01/2023
🗣 Did you attend a festive event in ? Let us know what you thought of Rochester Christmas Market and the Dickensian Christmas Festival, for the chance to win a family ticket to Medway's new food festival this spring.
🎁 Complete our short survey and you will be automatically entered in a prize draw, where one lucky winner will receive a family ticket to Medway Food & Drink Festival, 31 Mar - 2 Apr, in Rochester Castle Gardens.
💬 Start Now: https://orlo.uk/0YXQN
Zoom Events
09/12/2022
The Guildhall is bursting with character and charm, creating a truly captivating setting for your wedding.
Built in 1687, it has been a town hall, entertainment venue, court and a council chamber. Now a museum, it displays more than 250,000 years of Medway’s history, making it an ideal option if you’re looking for something truly unique.
Find out more about weddings at The Guildhall: https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200274/the_guildhall_museum
09/12/2022
Our main chamber looking festive, thanks to our museum elves.
02/12/2022
Hot off the press! This Dickensian Christmas weekend pick yourself up a copy of “The making of Mr Dickens” the book accompanying our exhibition & celebrating Charles Dickens’ love of Medway. Available at the museum shop alongside lots of fantastic Christmas gift ideas.
Visit Kent VisitEngland Visit Medway Christmas in Medway
08/11/2022
21/10/2022
Looking for something to do with the children this half term? Our Halloween Trail starts tomorrow!
Spot the eerie body parts around the museum & collect a badge.
Visit Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle, Medway, Temple Manor & Eastgate House, Rochester to collect all the spooky badges.
Visit Medway Visit Kent VisitEngland English Heritage
21/10/2022
On this day in 1704 Sir Cloudesley Shovell’s ship, the Association, collided with a rock near the Isles of Scilly. 800 members of its crew were lost, but Sir Cloudesley survived…albeit for a short while. Legend has it he was discovered by a treasure hunter who murdered him for his ring, an emerald set in diamonds.
Sir Cloudesley was a Rochester MP & rose through the ranks of the navy to become Rear Admiral of England & Commander-in-Chief of the British fleet. He paid for the ornate plaster ceiling in our Guildhall Chamber, which visitors can still see today.
20/10/2022
24/08/2022
Thanks for visiting us & for your lovely review.
23/08/2022
Where will you visit?
The Kent Big Day Out is back. The ballot is open and there are thousands of tickets for free days out throughout autumn. Enter now. https://bit.ly/3bSLx38
22/08/2022
We’re so grateful to have been part of their special day.
🌈We’d love to say a huge congratulations to the new Mrs & Mrs Pinnick!
After getting married at The Guildhall Museum, Carly and Mandy partied at Medway Pride on Saturday (20 August) before going to their wedding reception.
Carly said: “We couldn’t have planned for a better day and weren’t expecting the amazing reception we got at Medway Pride. We want to thank everyone for making our day so special, not just for us but for our family and friends also. Most of our family members haven’t experienced a pride event before and they absolutely loved it.”
📸 Rachel Evans
Find out more about getting married in : https://orlo.uk/zKBZd
🌈
19/07/2022
All about the Iron Age!
The wonderful people at Canterbury Archaeological Trust are joining us for a special day on Thursday 28 July. Find out all about the recent work at Rochester Airport ⛏🦺.
https://www.canterburytrust.co.uk/post/one-day-event
17/07/2022
Visit all 5 of our heritage sites this summer to collect your badges & to be in with a chance of winning tickets for attractions across Medway.
19/02/2022
Today is the final day to enjoy our Great Expectations trail around the museum.
Enjoy Medway Visit Medway Visit Kent
02/02/2022
An amazing day all around! It was a pleasure to have HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at the museum today Visit Medway Visit Kent Enjoy Medway
02/02/2022
Wonderful experience for local pupils today
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall joined schoolchildren from St Margaret's at Troy Town C of E Primary School and read an extract from Great Expectations with Gerald Dickens – Charles Dickens’ great, great grandson!
Her Royal Highness then answered questions from the children and talked about her passion for books, the importance of reading and why authors such as Dickens are so important in bringing our country’s history to life.
02/02/2022
A very exciting afternoon the Guildhall Museum today
We’re delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to ’s Guildhall Museum this afternoon (2 Feb).
Her Royal Highness was greeted by characters in Victorian costume from The Rochester and Chatham Dickens Fellowship.
Her Royal Highness will be opening a new permanent exhibition at the museum which tells the story of one of England’s finest and most celebrated writers and Medway resident, Charles Dickens.
The Making of Mr Dickens exhibition opens to the public on Tuesday, 8 February.
20/01/2022
Just over three weeks to go until Rochester becomes a spectacular festival of light!🎉💫
Wander along Rochester's historic high street and delve into what's on offer. From a lantern parade, film projections, artworks, dance performances and live music, plus lots more https://orlo.uk/OS5HB 💫
🕐Local businesses including the Visitor Information Centre, Eastgate House, The Guildhall Museum will be open later than usual on these nights.
📆Friday, 11 and Saturday, 12 February from 6 to 9pm (performances start at 6pm)
01/01/2022
Happy New Year to all our visitors! We look forward to welcoming you to the museum throughout 2022.
https://www.visitmedway.org/attractions/rochester-guildhall-museum-2132/
25/12/2021
Wishing all our visitors a very Merry Christmas!
06/12/2021
Looking for Christmas gift ideas? Look no further than our heritage shops for lovely & unusual gifts for all the family at Eastgate House, Rochester Castle, the Guildhall Museum & the Visitor Information Centre.
Plus there’s a 10% discount voucher in the Winter Medway Matters What’s On guide (p25) so don’t miss out!
Enjoy Medway Visit Medway Visit Kent
Address
17 High Street
Rochester
ME11PY
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 5pm |
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Videos
Our colleagues at Eastgate House have something you might like to see during the festive season!
In our second film for today Dr Jeremy Clarke tells us the fascinating story of the private life of Charles Dickens. His childhood in Chatham, his love of the theatre and his return to Medway in later life. Find out even more about Dickens150 at https://www.medway.gov.uk/dickens150.
Today we have two films for you to watch. This first one takes us on a walk around Rochester and shows us the locations that Charles Dickens knew and loved, many of which he used in his stories. Don't forget to check out https://www.medway.gov.uk/dickens150 where you'll find even more Dickens150 information and fun things to do.
Jeremy’s latest talk, this time he tells us all about the hustle and bustle of Chatham over the past two hundred years. If you think going for a night out or doing a bit of retail therapy are all new ideas.....think again!
Welcome to a new week and more fantastic talks from Jeremy. Today we explore the Anglo-Saxons, and make sure you watch right to the end as Jeremy breaks his own rules!
Ok everybody, the wait is over! Here's the second talk by Dr Jeremy Clark, this time it's all about the Bronze Age. Don't forget to let us know what you think of this talk, and keep an eye out for more talks appearing on Friday.
The Stone Age
Something very special for you today...the first in a short series of bitesize Medway history lessons from our very own Education Officer, Jeremy. This one is all about the Stone Age, and later in the week Jeremy will be talking about the Bronze Age and then after that, the Romans. Let us know what you think!
Thanks to everyone who has made a lovely boat for our paper river. We’ve got boats with cats, boats with flags and even a boat carrying fruit – and it all starts with an egg box! There’s plenty of time to join in the fun - the river boat craft activity runs on Fri 16 Aug, Tue 20 to Fri 23 Aug and Tue 27 to Fri 30 Aug, 10.30am to 3.30pm. 80p per child (includes materials), free entry to the museum. See you there, shipmates!
The Penny Farthing arriving safely at its new holiday home for the summer - Rochester Visitor Information Centre.
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We are very excited to be attending The Wedding Experience at Detling Showground. We will be there promoting our beautiful venues at Upnor Castle, Eastgate House, Guildhall Museum & the . Looking forward to meeting brides to be and booking your big day with us!
Visit Medway Enjoy Medway
Visit Medway Enjoy Medway
To learn more about the fascinating life and work of the talented and irrepressible Gillingham-born writer Rosemary Tonks, watch this talk with Jeremy Clarke from the Guildhall Museum Rochester at Gillingham library.
https://youtu.be/FhYgDNeX2MY
https://youtu.be/FhYgDNeX2MY
One day Canterbury Archaeological Trust event at the Guildhall Museum Rochester 👇🏻
We can’t forget to mention ’s rich history! is home to Rochester Castle, the finest & tallest Norman castle keep in the country & Rochester Cathedral, the second oldest cathedral in England & much more including Historic Dockyard Chatham Fort Amherst Guildhall Museum Rochester. If you visit one of our brilliant heritage attractions tag us in your photos and use 📸
Thank you for attending our fascinating talk about the life and work of the irrepressible Rosemary Tonks.
A recording of the event will be available on our YouTube channel soon.
Thank you to Jeremy from the Guildhall Museum Rochester , Lizzie for her sterling performance, to the staff at the library, to Penguin Books and Bloodaxe Books for allowing us the permissions to share some of Rosemary's works.
A recording of the event will be available on our YouTube channel soon.
Thank you to Jeremy from the Guildhall Museum Rochester , Lizzie for her sterling performance, to the staff at the library, to Penguin Books and Bloodaxe Books for allowing us the permissions to share some of Rosemary's works.
Hi, I have an interesting very much of the period water colour of Charles Dickens, unsigned, my limited research has led me to believe that its "in the circle of Dickens" I wonder do you have someone to cast an eye over this work and give an opinion
Best regards
Best regards
GUILDHALL MUSEUM
Popped to the Guildhall Museum Rochester today where there’s a new exhibition called “The Making of Mr Dickens”, well worth a look!
It explores the relatively unknown side of Dickens' life including his happy and adventurous childhood in Chatham, the days he spent living hand to mouth in London and his return to Higham, near Rochester, as well as the inspiration he found from living
in Medway.
Popped to the Guildhall Museum Rochester today where there’s a new exhibition called “The Making of Mr Dickens”, well worth a look!
It explores the relatively unknown side of Dickens' life including his happy and adventurous childhood in Chatham, the days he spent living hand to mouth in London and his return to Higham, near Rochester, as well as the inspiration he found from living
in Medway.
Visit Historic Rochester
Great restaurants, pubs, Rochester Castle , Rochester Cathedral . The life & times of Charles Dicken's in Rochester: Guildhall Museum Rochester
Rochester City Vintage & Artisan Market
Great restaurants, pubs, Rochester Castle , Rochester Cathedral . The life & times of Charles Dicken's in Rochester: Guildhall Museum Rochester
Rochester City Vintage & Artisan Market
Many of the local community and businesses are getting involved in Medway Light Nights too! 🎉
Here are just a few of the things you can see/get involved with:
Walk along from Chatham to Rochester along INTRA, and you’ll see Chatham Memorial Synagogue all lit up beautifully and an exhibition at INTRA
The Rochester Art Gallery will be open later than usual (6-9pm) for you to see the new exhibition “Unknown Solider” works by David Tovey Rochester Art Gallery
Guildhall Museum Rochester, Visitor Information Centre and other local businesses will also be open from 6-9pm.
Look out for panels in Rochester for the ‘Empty Chair Poetry Trail’ and pick up a map at the Visitor Information Centre to find out more.
Here are just a few of the things you can see/get involved with:
Walk along from Chatham to Rochester along INTRA, and you’ll see Chatham Memorial Synagogue all lit up beautifully and an exhibition at INTRA
The Rochester Art Gallery will be open later than usual (6-9pm) for you to see the new exhibition “Unknown Solider” works by David Tovey Rochester Art Gallery
Guildhall Museum Rochester, Visitor Information Centre and other local businesses will also be open from 6-9pm.
Look out for panels in Rochester for the ‘Empty Chair Poetry Trail’ and pick up a map at the Visitor Information Centre to find out more.
Many of the local community and businesses are getting involved in Medway Light Nights too! 🎉
Here are just a few of the things you can see/get involved with:
Walk along from Chatham to Rochester along INTRA, and you’ll see Chatham Memorial Synagogue all lit up beautifully and an exhibition at INTRA
The Rochester Art Gallery will be open later than usual (6-9pm) for you to see the new exhibition “Unknown Solider” works by David Tovey Rochester Art Gallery
Guildhall Museum Rochester , Visitor Information Centre, Eastgate House, Rochester and local businesses will also be open from 6-9pm.
Look out for panels in Rochester for the ‘Empty Chair Poetry Trail’ and pick up a map at the Visitor Information Centre to find out more.
Here are just a few of the things you can see/get involved with:
Walk along from Chatham to Rochester along INTRA, and you’ll see Chatham Memorial Synagogue all lit up beautifully and an exhibition at INTRA
The Rochester Art Gallery will be open later than usual (6-9pm) for you to see the new exhibition “Unknown Solider” works by David Tovey Rochester Art Gallery
Guildhall Museum Rochester , Visitor Information Centre, Eastgate House, Rochester and local businesses will also be open from 6-9pm.
Look out for panels in Rochester for the ‘Empty Chair Poetry Trail’ and pick up a map at the Visitor Information Centre to find out more.
Thank you to everyone who welcomed The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to Kent today! It was fantastic day visiting a range of charities and organisations across the county, and meeting the people behind them.
After meeting local community groups who are supported by Sheppey Matters, The Prince of Wales also visited Elmley Nature Reserve and Historic Dockyard Chatham.
The Duchess Cornwall had the chance to tour Battersea's Brands Hatch Centre, open the new Charles Dickens exhibition at the Guildhall Museum Rochester, and meet the volunteers behind the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society.
After meeting local community groups who are supported by Sheppey Matters, The Prince of Wales also visited Elmley Nature Reserve and Historic Dockyard Chatham.
The Duchess Cornwall had the chance to tour Battersea's Brands Hatch Centre, open the new Charles Dickens exhibition at the Guildhall Museum Rochester, and meet the volunteers behind the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society.
Today was a treat as we unwrapped the exquisite Guildhall Museum Rochester funerary treasures selected over a year ago for which opens this Saturday. Massive thanks to the Museum team for all their support & expertise!
exhibition
exhibition
On 9June 1870, the world lost one of its greatest writers and social commentators - Charles Dickens.
Medway, and in particular Rochester, has long been associated with Dickens and his work, so to mark the anniversary of his death here’s the next in the Medway Heritage Team's 60 Second Histories series giving you a brief insight into the great man’s life.
If you want to learn more, look out for a major new exhibition opening later this year at Guildhall Museum Rochester
Medway, and in particular Rochester, has long been associated with Dickens and his work, so to mark the anniversary of his death here’s the next in the Medway Heritage Team's 60 Second Histories series giving you a brief insight into the great man’s life.
If you want to learn more, look out for a major new exhibition opening later this year at Guildhall Museum Rochester
TONIGHT from about 8pm on BBC Upload with Leo Ulph, we'll be sharing Larentalia, our piece for this cheeky little household god, the Guildhall Lar.
The music was made for the Ten Songs For A Lar project with Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Beaney, The Amelia and Guildhall Museum Rochester.
Tune into BBC Radio Kent, or search on the BBC iPlayer website...
#7
The music was made for the Ten Songs For A Lar project with Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Beaney, The Amelia and Guildhall Museum Rochester.
Tune into BBC Radio Kent, or search on the BBC iPlayer website...
#7
Larentalia - coming soon from Ten Songs for a Lar 🎶
A great honour to be chosen along with nine other sound artists to explore this tiny ancient fella. Ten Songs for a Lar is in association with Guildhall Museum Rochester Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Beaney and The Amelia, with support from Arts Council England.
Proud to be part of this alongside other amazing sound artists including Quiet Boy, Anil Sebastian, Stergin, Louise Fazackerley- Poet, James Marren, Yeji Yeon, Jan Noble...
A great honour to be chosen along with nine other sound artists to explore this tiny ancient fella. Ten Songs for a Lar is in association with Guildhall Museum Rochester Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Beaney and The Amelia, with support from Arts Council England.
Proud to be part of this alongside other amazing sound artists including Quiet Boy, Anil Sebastian, Stergin, Louise Fazackerley- Poet, James Marren, Yeji Yeon, Jan Noble...
#}