medway.gov.uk/BoM takes its name from the magnificent This iconic anniversary commemorates one of England’s greatest naval Welkom in Medway river that flows through it and comprises of For the news is tr ue, five towns – Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, disasters when the was Medway heeft een rijke geschiedenis vol militaire Rainham and Strood. engulfed in flames. In June 1667 the en maritieme tradities en is vernoemd naar that the Dutch have Dutch fleet sailed up the Medway and de gelijknamige, prachtige rivier, die door de caught the English unprepared. This historische steden Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, daring invasion brought the Second Rainham en Strood stroomt. In June 2017 Medway will commemorate brok e the chain and Anglo-Dutch War to an end. Medway ligt ongeveer 50 km van en Under Lieutenant Admiral Michiel de is gemakkelijk bereikbaar vanaf de Engelse the 350th anniversary of the Battle of bur ned our ships, Ruyter, the Dutch captured the fort at kanaalhavens en Londense vliegvelden. before entering the River Medway with a spectacular river event and and par ticular ly the Medway to attack the English fleet In juni 2017 vindt in Medway de 350e herdenking at Chatham. They broke through the van de slag bij Chatham plaats. Deze slag was een Ro yal Char les; defensive chain and, despite fire from van Engelands grootste maritieme nederlagen. a series of exhibitions and activities. Castle, towed away the Royal In Engeland noemt men dit ’Dutch Raid’, maar Charles, England’s flagship and burned in Nederland staat dit bekend als ‘de slag bij 2 3 Rochester has a unique identity with its iconic Norman other par ticular s I a number of ships. To prevent their Medway’ of ‘de tocht naar Chatham’. In juni 1667 castle and cathedral, historic buildings and museums, capture and block the channel the Royal zeilde de Nederlandse vloot onder leiding van as well as connections with Charles Dickens. Chatham’s know not, but most Navy sank some of its largest ships. luitenant-admiraal de rivier de maritime history includes The Historic Dockyard Medway op, vernietigde de Engelse vloot die daar Chatham, an award winning attraction and the world’s Although the dockyard was spared by voor anker lag en legde beslag op het Engelse most complete dockyard of the age of sail. sad news to be sure. the arrival of troops and artillery, the vlaggenschip ‘HMS Royal Charles’. The Dockyard’s defences include Upnor Castle, Fort attack was a humiliating defeat for the Amherst, the Great Lines Heritage Park and the Royal English. In The Netherlands, the action De herdenking van deze slag wordt gevierd met Engineers Museum, amongst others. Many of these sites is also known as the Battle of Chatham, een spectaculaire show op de rivier de Medway were involved in, or are a result of, the Battle of Medway. the highpoint of the Dutch Golden Age. en er vinden diverse tentoonstellingen en andere activiteiten plaats. The river itself is home to many marinas and yacht clubs The historic naval battle will be re-told as well as interesting historic vessels and river trips. The with a major Medway in Flames event Deze gids geeft u niet alleen informatie over wider estuary provides the perfect habitat for thousands taking place on 17 June 2017 on and deze evenementen, maar ook over de of breeding and migrating birds and wildlife. The area around the River Medway. geschiedenis van Medway. hosts more than 30 days of free festivals and events from bustling street festivals and open air concerts, to theatre performances and international sporting events. Medway’s commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Medway The Dutch are Coming! 10 and 11 June A River Pageant will sail past The Historic Step back in time to 1667 at Upnor Castle Dockyard Chatham and Upnor Castle providing a will be two weeks of exciting and unique events. with living history events and activities telling unique opportunity for boat owners, visitors and Here is a taste of what you can expect to see. the story of the Dutch Raid. river users to show off their wonderful vessels. The Historic Dockyard Chatham – 8 June Medway Sports Festival – 17 June Chatham Maritime – 10 June Water activities will take place in Basin 2 The official launch to the commemorations* and A varied sporting events programme A variety of activities and entertainment including dragon boat racing, rowing displays, fly the opening of the dockyard’s new exhibition. culminating in a spectular Amsterdam to taking place around Dutch and British warships. boarding and jet ski displays. Live English and Dutch folk music, walkabout entertainment Medway Print Festival – 2 to 27 June Medway Bike Ride. Rochester Cathedral – 17 June and clog dancing performances will run An art exhibition that spreads across the Experience a fascinating guided tour around Dickens Festival – 9 to11 June throughout the evening. Medway Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall Celebrating the life and work of Charles England’s second oldest cathedral. Museum, Rochester Cathedral and other venues. Dickens. Enjoy street entertainment, parades, Medway in Flames – 17 June Turn to pages 8 and 9 to find out more about Medway Libraries – 7 to17 June readings, competitions and much more. Chatham Maritime comes alive with a the Medway in Flames spectacular river finale. Look out for an exciting programme programme of family entertainment including of events and lectures in our a fun fair, and food, drink and trade stalls. *Please note, the official civic launch is by invite only. community hubs and libraries. 4 5 More than 30 days of free festivals and events each year In addition to our exciting programme of events Medway is telling the different stories of the battle at many of our heritage sites, highlights include:

The Historic Dockyard Chatham Upnor Castle Guildhall Museum Jetstream Tours – River Trips and Water Transport the most complete dockyard from the High Street, Upper Upnor, ME2 4XG High Street, Rochester, ME1 1PY jetstreamtours.com age of sail anywhere in the world 01634 718742 01634 332900 Jetstream Tours operates regular boat trips from Rochester Pier, but during the Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TZ visitmedway.org visitmedway.org Battle of Medway festival will offer an additional pier stop for Upnor Castle. 01634 823800 This attractive turreted fortress, built to protect Built in 1687, the Guildhall is one of the finest This is a great way to get around Medway and a chance to discover the thedockyard.co.uk Queen Elizabeth’s warships when anchored 17th century civic buildings in . Colourful river’s strategic fortifications. All cruises offer an informative From 8 June to 3 September 2017 The Historic in the Medway, is set in a picturesque village, and informative displays record more than commentary with a spectacular opportunity to see Upnor Castle Dockyard celebrates the 350th anniversary backed by rolling wooded hills on the banks of 250,000 years of Medway history. Visitors can and The Historic Dockyard Chatham from the water. of the seismic events of 1667 by presenting the River Medway. Its importance matched see what life was like during the Napoleonic Hop-on hop-off opportunities with local river taxis will Breaking the Chain, a once in a life time the growth of the dockyard in Chatham. The period by walking through a reconstruction also be available along with Jetstream’s high chance to see the Battle of Medway story told castle played an important, but ultimately of a Medway prison hulk and learn about the speed Jetboat services from Sun Pier. through art. The exhibition shows wonderful ineffective role in June 1667, when Admiral terrible living conditions the prisoners endured. Dutch and British contemporary art, literature, De Ruyter sailed his ships up the Medway to They can learn about the life and works of historic manuscripts and extraordinary objects attack the dockyard. Charles Dickens, one of England’s greatest drawn from collections at The Royal Museum 6 novelists, in the Dickens’ Discovery Rooms. 7 Greenwich, Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the To commemorate the Battle of Medway, Upnor Dutch National Maritime Museum, the Michiel Castle will be home to a new and exciting The Guildhall Museum will present a special de Ruyter Foundation and the British Library. visual display, putting the events of 1667 into exhibition of their collection of historic Dutch context. This interpretation will allow visitors prints and maps that are part of this story. To tell the story of The Historic Dockyard to learn about the daring Dutch masterplan They will be displayed alongside the plans Chatham is to tell of how one nation that led to a devastating naval defeat for of the fortifications built by the English to launched the world’s greatest naval power for England, and the resulting programme of defend Sheerness and Chatham in the wake of generations to come. It is also a place that ship-building that led to a golden age of this unprecedented naval disaster. Acclaimed tells the story of one of Britain’s greatest naval British maritime supremacy. artist Kevin Clarkson has painted a series of disasters! A story of Dutch daring that left the meticulously researched images of the Battle Medway in flames, the capture of the English (one of which is shown on our front cover), flag ship and a nation licking its wounds. and these will give a vivid recreation of the The Historic Dockyard Chatham offers dramatic events of the day. The exhibition will unrivalled access to the ships that shaped the run from 6 May to 12 November 2017. world, and the stories of the people who made them. From 8 June to 3 September you can discover the ingenuity and daring of the people who tried to destroy them! Water screens, digital projection, characters from history, pyrotechnics, special effects and fireworks will bring the Medway Battle of Medway to life. This spectacular finale will depict the events leading to the raid on the Royal Dockyard at Chatham, Upnor Castle and the ships of the English anchored on the River Medway.

l Celebrating 350 years of friendship and co-operation between our two nations 17 June 2017 Chatham Maritime since the conclusion of the Anglo-Dutch wars, Medway in Flames will be a sensational finale to our festival of cultural, sporting and educational events.

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Artist impression for guidance only. Detail and content subject to change without notice. When visiting Medway don’t forget to explore the many other historic Meet sites and family focused attractions we have on offer. Samuel Squeaks For our younger visitors we have our very own Rochester Cathedral Restoration House Royal Engineers Museum Eastgate House and Chalet A Grade I listed building that featured in the friendly rat character, Samuel Squeaks. Founded in 604AD, the cathedral is the A city mansion where Charles II stayed on the The fort was built in The museum provides a fascinating insight into works of Charles Dickens. Samuel will be popping up at various locations to second oldest in England. It’s been a place of eve of his restoration, and the inspiration for Satis 1756 to protect the Britain’s explosive military history and the part In the grounds stands help children understand the story of the Battle pilgrimage and worship for over 1400 years. House in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Royal Dockyard our soldier engineers have played in this. Dickens’ writing chalet of Medway. He’ll be explaining how he grew up in The Precinct, Rochester, ME1 1SX Crow Lane, Rochester, ME1 1ER at Chatham from Prince Arthur Road, Gillingham, ME4 4UG where the author wrote some London during the plague, how he fled the great fire, 01634 843366 01634 848520 landward attack. It 01634 822839 restorationhouse.co.uk houses a fascinating re-museum.co.uk of his most famous novels. and how he ended up on board a ship on that fateful rochestercathedral.org network of tunnels High Street, day in June 1667. They’ll also find out about Samuel’s Six Poor Travellers House Copper Rivet Distillery and underground Rochester friend - a rather flamboyant Dutch rat called Andries, A Tudor-founded charity house that provided One of the few places in England that you chambers. 01634 332900 and how their friendship grew. board and lodgings for six poor travellers, right can experience the entire distillation process Dock Road, visitmedway.org up until the Second World War. from grain to glass. Enjoy a range of spirits, Chatham, ME4 4UB High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX experience a botanicals masterclass or distill 01634 847747 01634 845609 your own gin. 10 fortamherst.com 11 visitmedway.org Leviathan Way, Chatham ME4 4LP

The Huguenot Museum 01634 931122 The only museum of Huguenot history copperrivetdistillery.com

Rochester Castle is one of the best preserved and in Britain, telling the story of Britain’s finest examples of Norman architecture in England. first refugees, the crafts, trades and Medway is surrounded by a stunning natural environment and has a wide variety of parks, Spectacular views of the area can be enjoyed skills they brought with them. wetlands and green spaces to explore. With over 75 miles of cycle routes, seven Green Flag from the castle’s keep. High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX parks and stunning coastal paths there is much for Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW 01634 789347 those who love the open air to enjoy. Temple Manor 01634 332091 huguenotmuseum.org Visit medway.gov.uk/parks to find out more. A 13th century house belonging to the Knights visitmedway.org Templar to provide lodgings, food and fresh The Old Brook Pumping Station horses for the Knights travelling to and from Listed as an ancient monument, the the crusades. pumping station was incorporated into Knight Road, Strood, ME2 2AH Chatham’s main drainage system from 01634 332901 1929 to 1980. visitmedway.org Solomons Road, Chatham, ME4 4LA 01634 362847 oldbrookpumping.co.uk Medway has packed diary of events, festivals and concerts for Dickens Getting out on the water is a unique way to experience what makes the Medway estuary everyone to enjoy including... in Medway one of Britain’s most important maritime heritage destinations. Charles Dickens’ long association with Medway area Festival of Steam and Transport intimate setting of one of England’s most began when the Dickens family moved to a small house Along the river there is a fascinating array of yacht clubs, marinas and boatyards Useful River Contacts The Historic Dockyard, Chatham beautiful castles. in Chatham. Dickens’ father, John, was originally a clerk offering a wide range of mooring facilities. Public pier access is available at Rochester Maritime and Coastguard Agency 16 and 17 April enjoymedway.co.uk in the Navy Pay Office in Portsmouth Dockyard, and was and Sun Pier, Chatham where a variety of river trips operate from. To find out more 0870 6006505 mcga.gov.uk Full steam ahead for a carnival transferred to Chatham in 1817. about how you can use and enjoy our river go to visitmedway.org/battle-of-medway Medway and Swale Boating Association atmosphere, festival fun and Will Adams Festival msba.org.uk Dickens’ most impressionable childhood days were spent entertainment at this annual Easter event. Gillingham Park. 9 September See page 7 to find out more about Peel Ports Medway (Navigation Services) in Medway and it was the place where he found inspiration thedockyard.co.uk A mix of Japanese culture and traditions the exciting Jetstream speedboat 01795 663025 medwayports.com at this free festival celebrating the life for some of his works greatest characters and settings. tours of the river. Tidal Information English Festival and work of England’s first Samurai. Many of the buildings found on Rochester’s historic high bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables Riverside Country Park, Gillingham enjoymedway.co.uk street carry plaques detailing how the author 22 April incorporated them into his novels. Take a A celebration of English culture, history Salute to the ‘40s gentle stroll around the local graveyards and traditional treats with family The Historic Dockyard Chatham and you will discover where he found 12 entertainment throughout the day. 16 and 17 September names of many of his characters. 13 enjoymedway.co.uk Step back in time for two full days of fantastic 40’s entertainment at one of Many heritage buildings in Rochester Rochester Sweeps Festival ‘Britain’s Best Vintage Festivals’ are featured in the works of Dickens. 29 April - 1 May Daily Telegraph. These include the Guildhall Museum, Recreating this traditional annual festival thedockyard.co.uk Restoration House, Eastgate House enjoyed by Victorian chimney sweeps. and Gardens, and Six Poor Travellers Festivities include nationally and Dickensian Christmas House. To discover more about internationally acclaimed folk bands, Rochester. 2-3 December Dickens and his association Looking for a place to stay? with Medway visit the Guildhall parades, stalls and Morris dancing. Start the festive shopping season in Whatever your taste or budget, you’ll find Museum where a dedicated enjoymedway.co.uk Dickensian style with some of Charles accommodation to suit your needs in Medway. Details exhibition and informative film is Dickens favourite characters that come of many hotels and guest houses can be found at on permanent display. A self-guided Castle Concerts to life and wander around Rochester’s visitmedway.org Rochester Castle Gardens historic high street. walking trail with map is available from the Medway Visitor Information Centre. 12 - 15 July enjoymedway.co.uk Temporary campsites will operate during the Battle of Or you can join a guided walking tour Enjoy performances by international Medway celebrations throughout Medway. with members of The City of Rochester stars over 4 nights in the fabulous and For details visitmedway.org/battle-of-medway Society or Footsteps in Time.

Find out more at visitmedway.org Vanguard Way 14 Road Medway Tunnel A visit to Medway couldn’t be easier. We’re just 30 miles from London Places of interest 1 1

Strood 13 Pier Road and 40 miles from the Channel ports and Eurotunnel. 2 2 Dock Road Station Road By road By air 1 Temple Manor 3 3

When travelling by road, there is easy Medway is within an hour’s drive of High Street 2 Rochester Castle 4 15 4 access from London and the Kent coast Gatwick, London City and Stansted Wood Street R Prince Arthur Road

3 Guildhall Museum 1 i on the M2/A2 and M20 motorways, airports. Heathrow and Luton are just 90 5 Rochester 5 Pier v 3 17 linking with the M25. There are direct minutes drive. There are excellent road e Gillingham 4 Rochester Cathedral 2 Dock Road 6 r Brompton Road 6 links from the A2/M2 to Rochester/ and rail links to all airports. Boley Hill 5 Corporation 5 Huguenot Museum 4 Street Je ery Street Chatham/Gillingham via the A289 6 M 7 High Street 7 7 6 Six Poor Travellers’ House e 12 Medway Tunnel. If travelling by car, to Public transport (buses) Vines Lane 8 d Sun Pier find out about town centre parking visit A majority of bus services in Medway 7 Eastgate House 8 wa y 11 8 Rochester Star Hill medway.gov.uk are provided by Arriva, although some High Street 8 Restoration House 9 10 The Brook 16 Canterbury Street 9 Regular National Express coaches run services are provided by ASD coaches, 1 9 1 Key Nelson Road from London Victoria to the area. Nu-Venture and Chalkwell. For details 9 The Central Theatre New Road High Street Car park with more than 10 2 100 spaces Best Street2 For more information visit on bus routes throughout Medway and 10 Old Brook Pumping Station City Way 14 Visitor Information Centre 11 15 nationalexpress.com timetables visit medway.gov.uk/buses New Road Road 3 7 Place of interest (detailed list below) 3 11 The Brook Theatre Rock Avenue Chatham Hill Chatham bus station Chatham 12 By rail Medway Visitor 12 Fort Amherst 4 National rail station 4 Medway has five mainline rail stations – Information Centre 13 The Historic Dockyard Chatham 13 5 5 Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham The ideal first port of call is our centre 14 Copper Rivet Distillery and Rainham. All have frequent services in the heart of Rochester. Wheelchair 6 A228 6 from London mainline stations. The accessible and offering a full tourist 15 Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive A226

high-speed train from St. Pancras takes 7 A289 Medway Upnor 7 information service, with gift shop, café, 16 The Great Lines Heritage Park Jetty LONDON A226 Chatham just 35 minutes to reach Medway. Rail art gallery and public conveniences. Call A289 20 Marina 17 Medway Park 8 8 travel from Europe to Medway is faster in to find up to the minute information A2 Strood A289 and easier by Eurostar. To plan your rail on all local attractions. If you are looking 18 Ranscombe Farm Reserve A231 9 M2 A228 9 journeys phone 08457 848950 or visit for a place to stay, the centre can provide Gillingham 19 Diggerland 19 22 18 Rochester nationalrail.co.uk 10 A289 10 advice and assistance. B2004 Ebbsfleet International Station is only 20 Upnor Castle A249 95 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX Chatham A2 20 minutes from Medway. For more 21 Capstone Farm Country Park 11 A229 Rainham 11 01634 338141 A230 information visit eurostar.com visitmedway.org 21 22 Riverside Country Park and A228 12 M2 12 Berengrave Nature Reserve A278 A2 CANTERBURY 13 MAIDSTONE & 13 Front cover painting by Kevin Clarkson from acollection owned by theGuildhall Museum. Photographs ofSimonKelsey courtesy (Praxis Design)and Medway Council. Details ofspecific events arechange, subject to channels. social media for currentcheck details please All information correct attimeofgoing topress. medway.gov.uk/BoM

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