Wikipedia:Today's featured article/June 27, 2012

Rochester Castle stands on the east bank of the River Medway in Rochester, Kent, South East England. The 12th-century keep or stone tower, which is the castle's most prominent feature, is one of the best preserved in England or France. Located along the River Medway and Watling Street, Rochester was a strategically important royal castle. The first castle at Rochester was founded in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest. During the Rebellion of 1088, the castle first saw military action; the city and castle were besieged after Bishop Odo made Rochester a headquarters for the rebellion. After the garrison capitulated, this first castle was abandoned. It saw further action during the First Barons' War (1215–1217), the Second Barons' War (1264–1267), and the Peasants' Revolt (1381). The castle was opened to the public in the 1870s as a park. At various points during the 19th and 20th centuries repairs were carried out. The castle is protected as a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Monument. Today the ruins are in the guardianship of English Heritage and open to the public. (more...)

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