Paul

Hi Andrew,I know that it would be impossible for anyone to take over ownership of Rochester castle but Mr O'Donnell clearly believes that he can. If you look at the "campaign's" facebook site, My link he has clearly misunderstood Eric Pickles' proposals with regard to local people taking over control and ownership of ex council buildings. I firmly believe that English Heritage and Medway council will reject their proposals just as they did after their last meeting with these people. Also, I don't think that EH want a repeat of the problems at Conisbrough that occurred two years ago. Paul.

Thanks Duncan, the guy who is the chairperson of the campaign believes that he can take over ownership of Rochester castle. Isn't that a scary idea? His site contradicts itself on numerous occasions regarding the history of Rochester castle and that leads me to doubt their integrity and honesty. I can't say too much more on a public website but, suffice it to say, I am currently in contact with several academic bodies with regard to the intentions of the "Restore Rochester castle campaign." Hopefully, I can post more information at a later date. Paul.

Hi guys, I don't know how many of you have visited the Restore Rochester castle website but I'd be interested in what you all think about it. I've complained to the author with regard to historical inaccuracies and misleading information but he doesn't seem to care. Its here http://www.restorerochestercastle.co.uk/index.html Paul.

Oh, come on Andrew, I've just bought two new shiny cameras, I know what you mean though. Its so good to not have to go in to the darkroom and come out of there suffering what a glue sniffing kid would call heaven!

Great post Gordon my friend, do you have any more photos? I think I'll be spending more time looking around here from now on.

My my, its so easy to walk past Scotney these days without even noticing it. A little gem there Andrew.

Great postcards Andrew, did you take any photos?

This castle came under attack on at least four occasions, most notably during the Civil Wars when in 1643, Lady Bankes successfully led a defence of the castle against Parliamentary forces. In 1646 a second siege was brought to an end by an act of treachery that allowed Parliamentary troops disguised as Royalist reinforcements to enter the castle. The slighting that Parliament ordered be carried out here was far more severe than at most other castles, with the walls and buildings extensively demolished.

SIZERGH?

You're too good.

Nothing is too easy for me lol. This castle was built by Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, during the first half of the 12th century. Little is known about this early castle other than it had a tower, possibly made of stone, on top of a large motte. This was demolished on the orders of Henry II in 1155, but recent archaeological excavations have revealed the large basement and foundations of the original tower at the centre of the motte. The castle was rebuilt in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with the earlier motte entirely surrounded by a shell keep, and an outer curtain wall constructed. The space between the wall of the shell keep and the slopes of the motte were filled in sometime in the 13th century.

Kirkoswald?

The first reference to a Royal castle here is in the pipe records of 1129-30. In the 13th century King John made improvements to the castle and was a regular visitor, using the castle as a base while he went hunting in the nearby Forest. The most extensive period of construction took place during the 14th century, and most of the ruins now visible date from this time. Early in the century King Edward I began a programme of modernisation at the castle, but it was his son, Edward II who carried out the most work. Between 1307-12 he spent a total of £2174 redeveloping the castle, which included the construction of a great tower, known as the King's Tower.

Appleby?