The Rest Is History 600. CHATHAM HIGH STREET
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Sep 14, 2025 Discover the fascinating layers of Chatham High Street, where the past and the future collide. Explore its rich history, from ties to King John and Dickens to significant naval events. Unearth architectural gems like a 12th-century chapel nestled among Victorian buildings. Delve into the stories of naval legends and the area's vibrant cultural tapestry, including its Jewish heritage. Enjoy tales of personal connections and craftsmanship that highlight the enduring legacy of this historically rich location.
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A Single Street Encapsulates English History
- Rochester and Chatham form a continuous historical axis linking ancient bridges, cathedrals and modern dockyards.
- Tom Holland argues this single high street encapsulates the sweep of English history.
Geography Made Rochester Strategic
- Rochester exists because it's the lowest bridging point on the Medway and sits on Watling Street.
- Its geography made it a strategic crossing from Dover to London since Roman times.
Dockyard Birth And The Medway Shock
- Chatham was formally made a royal dockyard in 1568 and became central to Britain's naval expansion.
- The Dutch raid of 1667 exposed vulnerabilities and prompted massive defensive investment along the Medway.
