B13

Rochester is one of the oldest and most charming English cities. It was founded by the Romans who came here in 43 AD and built a fortress and a bridge over the River Medway.

Rochester is famous for its ancient castle, its magnificent cathedral, and its connection(s) with Charles Dickens.

 CONNECT

B14

Charles Dickens spent five of his childhood years near Rochester. As a boy, he explored every corner of the city.

 CHILD

B15

When he became a writer, he often used the people and places of Rochester as characters and settings for his novels.

 WRITE

B16

Much later, when he was world­famous, the novelist returned to the Rochester area and spent the last 13 years of his life nearby. The last words Dickens ever wrote were about Rochester ­ the city he loved so much and where he wished to be buried.

 NOVEL

B17

To honour the great Victorian author Rochester holds amazing festivals.

 AMAZE

B18

At the beginning of December Rochester plunges into the atmosphere of Victorian Christmas. Many people dress up in Victorian costumes and parade the streets and the Castle gardens. There are bell ringers, carol singers, street entertainers and colourful Dickensian characters.

 COLOUR