During the coronavirus pandemic, The Guildhall Museum has brought the museum to you at home.
Dr Jeremy Clarke, the museum's Education Officer, introduces a series of history talks and exploring some of the thousands of fascinating objects from the museum's collection.
The Stone Age
The first history talk by Jeremy is on The Stone Age. Here you will learn some fascinating facts on this era along with objects from the museum's collection.
The Stone Age history talk
The Bronze Age
Our second history talk is all about The Bronze Age. Jeremy will explain three important facts about The Bronze Age and show you some objects.
The Bronze Age history talk
The Romans
Our third history talk is on The Romans. Jeremy's tells us all about the Romans in Medway and the fascinating discoveries that have been found in Rochester.
The Romans History Talk
The Anglo Saxons
Our fourth talk by Jeremy is on the Anglo Saxons. This fascinating talk is all about the favourite things the Anglo Saxons brought with them to Kent and what they were buried with!
Anglo Saxons History Talk
The Anglo Saxons - Part Two
We had so much to talk about on the Anglo Saxons topic that we've made a second video. Jeremy will tell us about an exciting object that was made for a very important person in history.
Anglo Saxons History Talk - Part Two
The Second World War: Part One
A special talk on the Second World War to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. In this talk Jeremy will share some facts and items from the war.
The Second World War: Part One
The Second World War: Part Two
In this second video Jeremy will tell us more about the life and times during the war and the ration book issued to households for their food.
The Second World War: Part Two
A Talk all about Rochester
Here's another great talk from Jeremy, this time it's all about Rochester. More talks will follow about other local areas so keep coming back to find out more about the fascinating history of Medway.
A talk All about Rochester
All about Strood
In this video we learn all about Strood, the turnpikes and tolls travellers would of encountered on the road networks and the local shops and businesses in this area.
A talk All about Strood
All about Chatham
Jeremy’s latest talk, this time he tells us all about the hustle and bustle of Chatham over the past two hundred years. If you think going for a night out or doing a bit of retail therapy are all new ideas.....think again!
A talk All about Chatham
All about Gillingham
Jeremy continues his virtual stroll around Medway and today he stops off in Gillingham. Don’t forget to let us know what you think of these talks and if there’s something you think would make a great subject for Jeremy to talk about.
A talk All about Gillingham
All about Rainham
Jeremy continues his walk around Medway and today stops off in Rainham. Want to find out why birds, beer and brickfields are so important?….watch and find out!
A talk All about Rainham
William Cuffay Talk
Talk by Jeremy about local black man William Cuffay, a son of a freed slave that played an important role in the struggle for democracy in Britain. For more details click here.
Rochester Castle remains one of the most impressive Norman fortresses and continues to attract visitors from far and wide. Why not discover the fascinating story behind the great siege by King John when he seized the castle in 1215 along with many other interesting facts.
Now it's time to test your knowledge on Rochester Castle in our Quiz!
Rochester Castle Quiz - Part One
Rochester Castle Quiz - Part Two
Situated on the banks of the River Medway, Upnor Castle is an Elizabethan artillery fort built to protect both the dockyard and ships of the Royal Navy anchored in the Medway. This purpose proved ineffective in the 17th century when the Dutch turned up and attacked Chatham Dockyard.
Now it's time to test your knowledge on Upnor Castle in our Quiz!
Upnor Castle Quiz
In this section we have a couple of interesting videos to share. Here we relive the 1667 Battle of Medway - a stark reminder of the victorious Dutch attack launched on our dockyard and Royal Navy, a humiliating loss for England and one of the worst in the history of the navy.
We also explore one of the bloodiest sieges in English history that took place right here at Rochester Castle in 1215 by King John when he undermined the great tower using the fat of 40 pigs!
Battle of Medway in 1667
In June 1667 the Dutch sailed up the Medway to attack the dockyard capturing a large number of the Royal Navy ships anchored at Chatham.
In this short film we learn about battle and the Dutch Admiral that lead his fleet to a momentous victory.
Battle of Medway in 1667
Siege of Rochester Castle
In 1215, garrisoned by rebel barons, the castle endured an epic siege by King John.
In this short film we learn more about this siege and why we now have one round tower and three square ones!
Siege of Rochester Castle
Finally, here are some short talks celebrating Medway's connections with its most famous ever resident, the author Charles Dickens.
A short introductory talk by Jeremy Clarke to set the scene for the week of commemoration. The film illustrates Charles Dickens’ association with the Medway area and how it influenced his work.
Having spent some of his childhood in Chatham what brought the great author back to Medway and what was his life like when he returned? Jeremy will give a glimpse into the private life of Charles Dickens at his home in Higham.
Transcripts of videos without subtitles are available upon request. Email guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk
