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Medway timeline

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 websites for further research have been included at the end of most articles.

If you are interested in the history of the surrounding villages and rural areas, village histories may be of interest to you.

To locate a copy any of the books mentioned in the timeline, check holdings and availability of individual titles on the Medway libraries' online catalogue by searching author, title or phrase.

Additional local history resources in Medway can be found by visiting:

For more information contact Medway Archives and Local Studies by telephone: 01634 332714 or by email: malsc@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Medway Archives and Local Studies, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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