The Rochester Bridge Trust will be participating in this year’s Heritage Open Days from Thursday, 10th September – Sunday, 13th September inclusive. The charity’s offices, known as the Bridge Chamber, and its adjoining Bridge Chapel will be open from 10 am – 4pm each day.
On these days, the general public will be able to visit the charity to learn more about the work which the Trust has been carrying out for centuries. The Rochester Bridge Trust has a unique historical heritage and is the only surviving independent bridge trust still in active operation. Today, it is also a substantial local benefactor, regularly handing out charitable grants.
Senior Warden, Dr Anne Logan, says:
“We are delighted to take part in the Heritage Open Days and hope that as many people as possible will visit us to find out more about the only surviving bridge trust still in active operation and our unique heritage as a local charity.
“This is a great opportunity for us to share many local and national historical gems with the general public.
“Visitors will be able to take guided tours to see the medieval chantry chapel which dates from the late 14th century. This is a rare opportunity as the Bridge Chapel is one of only seven remaining in England.
“Visitors will be able to see the Bridge Chamber with its collection of fine early and late Georgian furniture, and the Trust’s council table and chairs which were made in 1937 by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson. A number of paintings and engravings showing the various bridges that have spanned the Medway at Rochester over the centuries are also exhibited.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Rochester Bridge Trust is a charitable trust that exists to maintain the bridges and serve the travelling public. The Rochester Bridge Trust has served the people of Kent for centuries by providing crossings over the River Medway and making charitable and educational grants and is regulated by the Charity Commission.
For more information:
The Rochester Bridge Trust
5 Esplanade
Rochester
Kent ME1 1QE
Fax: 01634 840125