MRP: Rochester Bridge
Rochester Bridge
Bridge administration
The medieval bridge was constructed in the last decade of the fourteenth century. After its construction the Wardens and Commonality of Rochester Bridge were incorporated, and the records the bridge accounts and estates have subsequently been kept at the bridge chamber. Wardens and assistants were elected annually. The Rochester Bridge Act 1576 reformed the Wardens and Commonalty of Rochester bridge, leading to the requirement that the householders of the commonality assemble once a year at Rochester castle to elect two wardens, twelve assistants and four auditors.
Questions
(1) Was the maintenance and repair of the bridge in the early C17th still the responsibility of fifty-four parishes, manors and estates? If so, list them
- See Ormerod in Yates (1994: 172-173) on 'The managementa nd control of bridge affairs'
Sources
Primary
Secondary
- See specifically David Ormrod, chapter section titled 'The trade and navigation of the Medway valley' (pp.161-162) in Ch. titled 'Rochester bridge, 1660-1825'
