This history of Medway (Rochester, Strood, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham) from pre-history to present day, provides an introduction to an area in the south-east of England that has always played an important strategic role, being at the mouth of the River Medway and close to mainland Europe.

Attached to the main historical entries are articles on various topics of local interest and in some cases these articles span several historical time periods. They highlight various events, buildings and people that have played a significant part in shaping the Medway area.

The Timeline is not intended to be comprehensive but has been designed as a general introduction with pointers to further resources for those interested in more in-depth study. With this in mind, references to books and web sites for further research have been included at the end of most articles.

Village histories - if you are interested in the history of the surrounding villages and rural areas, these references may be of interest to you.

Medway Libraries Online Catalogue (libcat.medway.gov.uk) - to locate a copy any of the books mentioned in the Timeline, check holdings and availability of individual titles on the catalogue by searching author, title or phrase.

Additional local history resources in Medway can be found at:

• Archives and local studies
• Museums

Prehistoric Medway
350,000 BC – 43AD

Roman Medway
43 – 410

Anglo-Saxon Medway
410 – 1066

Medieval Medway
1066 – 1485

Tudor Medway
1485 – 1603

Medway in the 17th century
1603 – 1700

Georgian Medway
1714 – 1830

Victorian Medway
1837 – 1901

Medway in the 20th century
1901 – 2000

Medway in the 21st century