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The Charles Dickens Page

Charles Dickens' Rochester
Rochester Castle

April 2011

Rochester Castle was a strategically placed medieval castle, defending Britain's southeast coast. Built in 1128, the castle was besieged by King John in 1215 in an attempt to get back control he had signed over with Magna Carta. The castle captured Dickens' imagination as a child and is mentioned in several novels. The Pickwick Club visits the castle proclaiming it a "Magnificent ruin!."