Archives Background

Early medieval records relating to Rochester Bridge can be found in the Calendars of Inquisitions and Calendars of the Patent Rolls in The National Archives and in the bridgework list in the Textus Roffensis (DRc/R1, ff. 164v-5) at Rochester Cathedral. Following the construction of the medieval stone bridge during the last decade of the fourteenth century, Sir Robert Knolles and Sir John de Cobham obtained royal patents for the incorporation of the Wardens and Commonalty of Rochester Bridge. Since that time the records of Rochester Bridge, beginning with the 14th-century wardens’ account rolls and estate records, have been maintained at the Bridge Chamber. Records arising from the current business of The Rochester Bridge Trust continue to be added to the archive.

The archives are open to written enquiries by letter or email. Researchers who need to visit in person may do so by prior agreement with the Archives and Records Manager.