Guildhall Museum
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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 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.
As special exhibition 'A world made real: Dickens and Victorian life' will take a look at some of the broad social history themes covered in Charles Dickens' novels and relate those themes to relevant interesting historic objects in the museum collections. Exhibition will take place from 8 June 2012 until 28 February 2012.
Opening Times
| Open All Year |
|---|
| 2012 (01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | 10:00 | 16:30 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 | 16:30 |
| Thursday | 10:00 | 16:30 |
| Friday | 10:00 | 16:30 |
| Saturday | 10:00 | 16:30 |
| Sunday | 10:00 | 16:30 |
Facilities
Provider Preferences
- Indoor Attraction
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking - At nearby Acorn Wharf Coach Park (Free)
- Parking (charge) - Parking at nearby pay and display car parks
Establishment Features
- Gift shop
- Groups welcome - Groups of 15+ must pre-book visit
- Open all year round - Closed on Mondays (except during school and bank holidays)
Specialist Features
- Educational Groups - Educational Officer on-site
- Family Fun - Special children and half term activities organised
Prices
| Ticket Type | Tariff |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
VAQAS Accreditation
Awards
- Visit Britain Awards -
Code of Practice 2012
Gradings
- Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction
Road Directions
From A2 follow signs to Rochester. The museum is at the river end of Rochester High Street.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest rail station is Rochester.
