IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Ordnance Yard, Upnor Road, ROCHESTER, ME2 4WX

Upnor Castle was constructed between 1559 and 1567 on the orders of Elizabeth I and intended to protect both the dockyard and ships of the Royal Navy anchored in the Medway. It was garrisoned by about 80 men with a peak armament of around 20 cannons. Despite its strategic importance, the castle and the defences of the Thames and Medway were badly neglected during the 17th century. The Dutch mounted a naval raid in June 1667, and were able to breach the defences, capturing two warships and burning others at anchor. The raid exposed the weaknesses of the Medway defences and led to the castle losing its role as an artillery fortification. New and stronger forts were built further downriver over the next 200 years and Upnor Castle became a naval ammunition depot, storing great quantities of gunpowder, ammunition, and cannon to replenish the warships that came to Chatham for repair and resupply. It remained in military use until 1945 and is now an English Heritage property open to the public. This view looks downriver along the Medway Estuary. For more about Upnor Castle see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upnor_Castle

The construction work is connected with the new housing that is being built on the former depot site (sold in 2013).

This Tudor castle, built in the 16th century, was designed by Sir Richard Lee in order to protect warships that anchored in the River Medway.

The wall on the right is part of Image The timber frame is one of 4 large houses being built on the former brownfield site of a former Naval Ordnance Depot beside the River Medway. The cabins on the left are site huts for the workers.

This is part of 4 large houses being built on the former brownfield site of a former Naval Ordnance Depot beside the River Medway.

This Tudor castle, built in the 16th century, was designed by Sir Richard Lee in order to protect warships that anchored in the River Medway.

This large building faces the river Medway, is part of the range of disused buildings of the former Ordnance Depot. Once part of H.M. Naval Magazine, then part of the Royal Naval Armament Depots (RNAD) until being sold in 2013. See http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-500747-building-lu001-former-b-magazine-upnor-d for more details about the Grade II* building. Beyond the wall (also listed) is the River Medway

Roof of Upnor castle with view across the Medway

This Tudor castle, built in the 16th century, was designed by Sir Richard Lee in order to protect warships that anchored in the River Medway.