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 the Medway Archives Office. Following the construction of the medieval stone bridge during the last decade of the 14th 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. Researchers may consult the Rochester Bridge archives by appointment with the Bridge Archivist, Dr. James M. Gibson, at The Bridge Chamber, 5 The Esplanade, Rochester, Kent ME1 1QE, telephone: 01634 846706, e-mail: .