The Rochester Bridge Trust

22/10/2026

Do you work on charitable projects for an organisation in Kent and Medway? If so, the Rochester Bridge Trust would like to introduce its new Challenge Funds.

The Challenge Funds launch on 5 November and include three areas of funding:

👉 developing skills to conserve and restore historic buildings and bridges (up to £25,000)

👉 improving access to and enjoyment of the River Medway, including water safety (up to £10,000)

👉 preserving historic heritage sites and artifacts (up to £75,000)

If any of these sound like a project you are working on, an idea you have, or something you’d like your organisation to work on, join the Trust team for a friendly introduction online from 4pm-4.45pm on Thursday 5 November.

You can book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003700337648?aff=oddtdtcreator

21/10/2026

October isn't all grey - especially when the Enhancement Lighting illuminates the Old Bridge. The Trust illuminates the bridge for causes linked to its work and history. Check upcoming dates for special lighting on the Trust's website https://rbt.org.uk/enhancement-lighting/

16/10/2026

Into all things history, heritage and archives?

Come down to the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham this weekend to meet local history groups, national societies and experts - including the Rochester Bridge Trust's Archives Manager, Alison.

You can book free tickets for both days online: https://www.re-museum.co.uk/events/medway-history-showcase-2026/

Join us at the Royal Engineers Museum for an inspiring weekend of discovery, storytelling, and celebration as The History Showcase Project proudly presents the Medway History Showcase. Explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Medway’s rich and diverse heritage through engaging exhibitions and fascinating stories.

From ancient artefacts and historic stories to modern memories and community voices, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore engaging exhibitions and hear from expert speakers.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family looking for an inspiring day out, or simply curious about the stories that shaped our area, come along and uncover the heritage that makes Medway unique.

-Royal Engineers Museum
-Exhibitions, talks and more
-Fun for all ages

Get your FREE tickets now: https://re-museum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/52565?catID=51206&

13/10/2026

...And that’s a wrap on the Rochester Bridge Trust’s 2026 British Sign Language Tours!

It’s been great to see so much interest in these tours, which were possible because of the superb guide John Wilson and the rest of the excellent Heritage Interpreters team.

The Trust’s own team have really enjoyed working on the Tours and looking at the new ways to show more people the work of the Trust, past and present.

Check the Trust’s socials and its website for upcoming events, which normally start running in late spring: www.rbt.org.uk

And you can read more about planning your visit to the Bridge Chapel and Chamber by looking at the Trust's Euan's Guide profile: https://www.euansguide.com/venues/bridge-chapel-and-chamber-rochester

12/10/2026

**Lane closure on the Old Bridge, 13-15 October**

UK Power Networks will be carrying out essential repair works on the Old Bridge. This means that the left-hand lane and the pedestrian footway will be closed from 6pm on Tuesday 13 October to 12pm on Thursday 15 October.

The Rochester Bridge Trust has worked with UKPN to keep the closures as short as possible, even if they can’t be avoided completely.

Note that one lane of traffic will remain open towards Strood, and you will still be able to cross as a pedestrian or cyclist using the New Bridge.

Nevertheless, do plan your journeys accordingly and if driving allow for delays on the A2 Westbound as a result of the closures.

https://rbt.org.uk/2026/old-bridge-lane-and-footway-closure-13-15-october/

06/10/2026

This picture was taken during works in the 1910s to convert the Victorian Rochester Bridge, designed by Sir William Cubitt, into the familiar Old Bridge that crosses the River Medway today. The Victorian Bridge had elegant cast-iron arches under the deck, which sadly proved vulnerable to cracking and collisions with passing ships. The reconstructed bridge instead uses bowstring-shaped trusses to support the bridge from above the deck.

The approach to work and site safety was very different in Edwardian England. In this photo, one man is sitting on a dangling section of arch, two others seem to be standing on a hanging platform to balance it, and one (likely the foreman, keeping an eye on the works) can be seen smoking a pipe further back on the work boat.

In the background you can see the two railway bridges crossing the River Medway at the time; the nearer of the two was reconstructed into the New Bridge which opened in 1970. You can also see sailing barges moored along the Strood side of the river.

You can read more about the history of Rochester Bridge on the Trust's website: https://rbt.org.uk/bridges/

29/09/2026

Going once, going twice...

We have only *two* places left on our British Sign Language Tour of Rochester Bridge (seen this morning in the pic), and the Bridge Chapel and Chamber on 7 October.

The tour starts at 11.30am and last for approximately two hours. They are step-free, as well as being interpreted in BSL.

Read more and book on our website: https://rbt.org.uk/events-resources/british-sign-language-tours/

28/09/2026

Has your child got a big engineering idea? If so, they need to enter The Big STEM Challenge.

Social Enterprise Kent is calling for children at primary and secondary schools (schools can also enter) to send in their best STEM-inspired project.

Entries can be any STEM-related project: a robot, an app, an experiment...or a bridge, like this cable-stayed bridge built from string and paper by students during one of the Trust's educational visits.

The Big STEM Challenge is sponsored by The Rochester Bridge Trust. Entries close on 30 November.

Up to the challenge? Enter online: https://sekgroup.org.uk/support/sek-schools/big-stem-challenge/

17/09/2026

*Open 11am-4pm this weekend, 19 and 20 September*

It's your last chance to see the Bridge Chapel and Chamber as the Trust open the doors for the Heritage Open Days this weekend (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September).

And it's also your last chance to meet Langdon the Lion, the beloved Trust mascot, who will appear at 12pm and 1pm on Saturday to entertain kids and adults.

Come and see these historic buildings, filled with artworks and information about the 600-year history of the Rochester Bridge Trust.

Including, for the first time, an early work by Dame Tracey Emin depicting Rochester.

You can read more about the Bridge Chapel on the Trust's website: https://rbt.org.uk/about-us/the-bridge-chapel/

15/09/2026

Congratulations to Helen and Kate on the Trust’s Bridge Team, who raised more than £1,600 for Trekstock Cancer Support with a 25km walk from Putney to Tower Bridge at the weekend.

Trekstock Cancer Support supports young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s living with cancer. Helen and Kate took the opportunity to combine their support for this cause with their passion for all things bridges, exploring details of the many crossings of the Thames in Central London.

The Trust team agreed that Helen and Kate had earned themselves a rest, but they were straight back to work yesterday to ensure Rochester Bridge stays open and well-maintained. Teamwork in the office and out!