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Guildhall Museum

Photo of The Guildhall
The Guildhall is one of the finest civic buildings in Kent.
The Guildhall
The Rochester Guildhall was built in 1687 and is one of the finest 17th-century civic buildings in Kent. Its staircase and main hall have magnificent plaster ceilings, given in 1695 by Admiral Sir Cloudsley Shovell, who was the Member of Parliament for the city of Rochester at the time.
Outside, mounted on the roof, is an amazing weather vane in the form of a fully rigged 18th-century warship. This is 1.52m tall and weighs just under 51kg. It is made of gilded copper and lead alloy and has weathered the ever-changing climate since 1780.
The museum
The museum was founded in 1897, in honour of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It was first set up in Eastgate House further along the High Street and was moved into the Guildhall in 1979.
The collections follow a timeline through Medway's history and are housed in two separate buildings, along with a small gift shop. Highlights of the displays include:
  • a full-size reconstruction of part of a Medway prison hulk;
  • a 200,000 year-old axe that visitors can touch;
  • a wide range of domestic artefacts from Darenth Roman villa;
  • the most complete set of 18th-century cabinet maker's tools in the world;
  • a model of Rochester Castle under siege;
  • a Victorian drawing room and kitchen;
  • a large selection of paintings and prints of the area;
  • a full programme of temporary exhibitions;
  • the Dickens Discovery Room.
Free quizzes for children and families are always available. Borrow a clipboard and pencil and follow a themed trail around the museum.
Location icon Where?
High Street
Rochester
Kent ME1 1PY		 Opening times icon When?
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4.30pm. Closed on Mondays.		 Price icon How much?
Admission to the museum is free. Groups must pre-book their visit.
Parking icon There are several pay and display car parks in the area. Coach parking is free of charge at nearby Acorn Wharf coach park. Access icon Ground floor level in the museum is accessible to wheelchair users. Telephone icon 01634 848717
Fax 01634 832919
Web link icon guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk

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